FRANKLIN—The Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity plans to open a “ReStore” in Downtown Franklin in September, selling building materials and home furnishings at up to 90 percent off retail prices.

“This is not a new thing,” said Suzy Davis, the executive director of Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity Inc. ReStores have been operated by Habitat for Humanity for years. In addition to the Franklin store, there are 16 other ReStores in Virginia.

The ReStore will supply overstocked, discontinued, new and used building materials donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors and individuals. The donated items will either be sold to the public in the ReStore or used in construction for Habitat for Humanity houses.

“A lot of area businesses donate items to us,” Davis said. The store will be stocked with a variety of items, including kitchen cabinets, appliances, doors, windows, tile, hardwood flooring, light and bathroom fixtures and household furniture.

The ReStore will not accept donations of clothes or children’s toys.

Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity was formed in 1991 and has built seven homes since then. Davis said that it’s important to note that the organization doesn’t give homes away, but provides interest-free loans to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to purchase a home.

“Habitat doesn’t give away houses,” she said. “It’s not a handout. It’s more of a hand up.”

Habitat officials hope that proceeds from the ReStore will help them meet their goal of building or rehabilitating one home per year.

Habitat for Humanity officials say that the ReStore will provide an alternative use for items that would otherwise be discarded, and considering the current economic situation, it will help consumers complete home improvement projects at a much more reasonable cost.

“It’s multifunctional, you recycle and help raise money to build things,” she said. Volunteers are accepting donations at the store’s future location, 109 W. First Ave., on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating items can stop by the store during those hours.

Donors can also call (757) 775-7713 to have someone from Habitat for Humanity come out and pick up donations.

Donated items should be new or gently used and in good working order. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit entity and donations are tax-deductible.