When Joe and Lillis moved to Raleigh eight years ago, they were ready for a new chapter. After spending 45 years in the mountains of Sparta, NC, where they attended Appalachian State University and raised their family, retirement gave them the opportunity to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
They became members of Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, NC, and quickly connected with Habitat Wake through their church’s involvement in Habitat’s Episcopal Faith Coalition.
They started volunteering on the build site, putting their hands to work alongside other volunteers building safe, affordable homes.
About two years ago, Lillis heard about volunteering at the Glenwood Habitat ReStore through a friend at church who had been helping there since the store first opened.
At first, the couple helped with whatever was needed: straightening shelves, talking with shoppers, taking in donations and more.
“Every time I came, it was something different,” Lillis said.
About a year into volunteering, the store’s assistant manager approached her with an opportunity to lead the book section.
As a retired librarian, this was the perfect fit for Lillis and offered a way for her to use her skills to add value to a special part of the ReStore.
When donated books arrive, Joe and Lillis sort them into categories in the back room and research titles that might have special value.
One time, a first-edition Ernest Hemingway book came into the store, and because of their expertise and careful consideration of the book's value, the store was able to label it as a ReStore Treasure to raise more funds for affordable housing.
For Joe and Lillis, volunteering at the ReStore is a meaningful way to support Habitat’s mission and share their faith.
"What these stores do is raise money to help build Habitat homes," Joe said. "If you can’t go on the build site, whether you don’t want to or are not physically able, you can still contribute to that effort by coming to volunteer at the ReStore."
Volunteering has also given Joe and Lillis the opportunity to meet Habitat homebuyers and hear their stories.
“We hear them talk about just having a place for their children to play and be safe, and knowing they can do their homework because they’re home,” Lillis said.
Joe and Lillis love traveling, hiking, gardening, playing pickleball and serving at their church. Volunteering at the Glenwood ReStore has become a big passion and is part of their weekly routine.
“We feel like we’re putting our energy into a great program,” Lillis said. “Everybody is really into the effort and making affordable housing a reality."
If you're interested in volunteering at your nearest Habitat ReStore, learn more at trianglerestores.org/volunteer!
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