In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity and Itasca County Environmental Services invite the community to take part in a Spring Clean Up & ReStore Donation Drive, paired with a festive Earth Day celebration lunch at the local ReStore.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and make a positive impact. As residents clean out garages, basements, and closets, this community-wide effort encourages donating gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods rather than sending them to the landfill. Donations support Habitat’s affordable housing work while promoting environmental sustainability.

To thank the community for supporting these efforts, Habitat will host an Earth Day Celebration Lunch at the Itasca ReStore on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community members are invited to stop by and enjoy a free hot dog, chips, cookie, and drink while learning more about how ReStore donations help reduce waste and build homes in Itasca County.

Event Details:
What: Earth Day Spring Clean Up, ReStore Donation Drive & Celebration Lunch
When: April 22
• Donation Drive: Ongoing during spring clean-up season
• Celebration Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Itasca ReStore and participating clean-up sites across Itasca County

“Earth Day is about caring for our planet and our neighbors,” said Jamie Mjolsness, Executive Director, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. “By donating usable items, residents help keep valuable materials out of landfills and support affordable housing right here in our community — and we’re excited to celebrate that impact together with a simple thank-you lunch.”

This initiative builds on an ongoing partnership between Habitat and Itasca County Environmental Services, which includes ReStore donation containers placed at sites such as Bray Lake Canister Site and the transfer station on E. Bass Lake Road. Together, these efforts have diverted millions of pounds of reusable materials from the waste stream.

Why Participate:

• Reduce landfill waste and protect the environment
• Support affordable housing for local families
• Give gently used items a second life
• Celebrate Earth Day with neighbors and a free lunch

For details on accepted donation items or how to get involved, visit www.itascahabitat.org or stop by the Itasca ReStore during the Earth Day celebration.

Without dedicated volunteers like you, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity could not fulfill our goal of partnering with families to build and preserve safe, decent, and affordable housing right here in our community. All are welcome!

Swinging a hammer is not a requirement to volunteer with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. We invite people from all walks of life to join us in making affordable housing a reality for local families. No matter your experience, stage of life, skill set, or passion, there is a meaningful place for you in our work.

Volunteering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is a great way to meet new people while working toward a shared goal: building stronger, more stable communities. When families have safe and affordable places to live, the entire community benefits.

Research shows that people who volunteer often experience higher levels of self-confidence and overall well-being—and many even report living longer, healthier lives.

Our volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and beliefs, professions and skill levels. What they all share is a commitment to making a difference and a willingness to help neighbors in need. Volunteers are essential to advancing our mission in Itasca County.

Most volunteer opportunities take place on our construction sites or at the Habitat ReStore, where donated materials are sold to support our housing programs and diverted from the landfill. From time to time, we also welcome help with office projects, outreach, and special events.

Whether you can give a few hours or make an ongoing commitment, your time and talents can help build homes, hope, and community in Itasca County. Call Chris at 218-999-9001  or email [email protected] to volunteer.

Spring is just around the corner — a perfect time to refresh your home, clear out unused items, and make a difference in our community! As you clean and organize this season, we invite you to consider donating any gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and other sellable items in good condition to the Itasca County Habitat for Humanity ReStore, instead of taking it to the landfill.

Itasca County’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity to divert usable items from the landfill is making a real impact. Thanks to this collaboration, residents can place acceptable items in designated collection sites, such as the roll-off container at the Bray Lake Canister Site and at the transfer station on E. Bass Lake Road, and help keep these valuable goods out of the waste stream. We will be adding containers at the Bigfork, Danson, and Sago canister sites this spring and we are coordinating with local communities to have containers located at municipal spring clean up days. To date, this program has successfully diverted over 12 million pounds of material from our landfills.

Why donate to the ReStore during spring cleanup?

• Protect our environment: Your quality items find new homes instead of taking up space at the landfill.
• Support affordable housing: Proceeds from ReStore sales are reinvested into Itasca County Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build safe, affordable homes right here in our community.
• Enjoy a smoother cleanup: Donating items is a responsible and rewarding alternative to disposal — and it feels good to give back!

Whether you’re clearing out an old sofa, updating appliances, or finishing a home project, donating reusable items to the ReStore is a simple way to help both people and the planet.

Thank you for helping make Itasca County cleaner, greener, and more compassionate. Together we can make this spring’s cleanup count!