Conscientious consumers are economic engineers, thrifty spenders and financial stewards. They are also very much aware of where their money goes and whom it benefits.

Conscientious consumers know that money used for purchases at the ReStore is well-spent.

"The ReStore is a treasure hunt," said Ben Mathus, who's been the ReStore's director for eight years. "Our savvy shoppers know our truck schedule. They want to see what new products are going to hit our floor. The savvy shoppers are in here regularly searching for gems. There are tremendous savings here."

It's been a year since Lancaster-Lebanon Habitat for Humanity relocated its ReStore retail operations from a 20,000-square-foot building at 155 Independence Court, Lancaster, to a 33,000-square-foot site at 1061 Manheim Pike, Lancaster. That anniversary was marked with a celebration on June 21.

"We had a great vibe going on that day," said Mathus. "We had a line outside the front door. When we opened the doors, people rushed in. It was kind of a party atmosphere. We generated a lot of income for the house-building program."

"We were at our old location for 25 years, and we just outgrew it," Mathus added. "It was time for something newer, larger, something to support our growing mission. It's a larger, brighter building, and it's a better customer experience all the way around."

A large portion of the ReStore's inventory is made up of building supplies, household goods, home decor and do-it-yourself materials donated by companies, private estates and individuals. The ReStore sells new and used furniture, hardware, plumbing supplies, bathtubs, roof shingles, latex gloves, doors and windows, used appliances, filters, wall art and light fixtures.

In a typical year, the ReStore sells enough of those donated items to fund two housing projects for Lancaster-Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, which renovates or builds safe, affordable homes for local low-income families.

"The ReStore is one of the fundraising arms of Habitat for Humanity," said Mathus. "We are all about reduce, reuse and recycle and keeping materials out of landfills. We're prioritizing materials. We are a retail outlet. Our mission is clear; we support our affiliate program."

On the average, between 200 and 300 shoppers frequent the ReStore each day. The ReStore is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"My favorite part is seeing what comes in through our donation doors, seeing what kind of interesting items come in," said Mathus. "We don't have an inventory. We don't get manifests of what's coming in. It's always different. It's always unexpected."

The ReStore employs 15 staff members. But the ReStore "really couldn't do what we do" without the work of nearly 40 regular volunteers, Mathus emphasized.

"Everyone deserves a safe, dry, affordable house," said Mathus. "Everyone needs a place to live. If it's not safe, dry and affordable, it's not a house; it's not a home. Having a roof over your head affords so many opportunities. Housing is critical. We see it with kids' grades. That stuff trickles down, and it affects the whole family. We want everyone to thrive and survive."

Habitat for Humanity, an international organization, launched an arm in Lancaster in 1986. In 2015, the local branch expanded to include residents in Lebanon County.

Originally started in a location at 1520 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, the ReStore has been financially supporting the Lancaster-Lebanon Habitat for Humanity's mission for 32 years.

"We've helped hundreds of people over that time, locally, in our region," said Mathus. "We build new houses and remodel older homes. By preserving existing structures, we're saving the soul of the city."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasterlebanonhabitat.org.