Donation guidelines
Generous donations from our community are the lifeblood of the Habitat Flathead ReStore. Donated items help our customers furnish their homes or complete DYI projects. Money spent at the ReStore goes to building affordable housing in the Flathead Valley.
We would like to accept all donations. However, for numerous reasons-especially the item’s saleability in our store, we need to deny certain items. The items on our accepted list need to be new or in good condition. The ReStore staff will make the final determination for an acceptable donation.
If you have any questions about your donation, SEND US A PICTURE to scheduling@habitatflathead.org, or give us a call at 406-752-2905.
APPLIANCES
Accepted: Only electric, less than 10 yrs old, in good working order, and no missing parts. Dishwashers: Less than 5 yrs old and no plastic shell (unless new). No push buttons on washers and dryers.
Appliances NOT accepted: (Unless these appliances can be documented as new) Any gas or propane appliance, air purifiers and humidifiers, ceiling fans (unless new in the box), cooktop stoves, over-the-range microwaves, paper shredders, grills, trash compactors, warming ovens.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Accepted: Items must be free of damage, rust, nails, screws, dirt, paint, or weathering.
Drywall, plywood, and cement, peg, tile, and insulation board must be at least 4’x4’ sheets. Metal roofing 6' minimum without cuts or rust.
Lumber, trim, deck boards, gutter, flashing, and siding must be at least 6’ long.
Insulation in unopen packages only.
Shingles in full bundle packages only.
Hangers and brackets must be unused and in containers.
NOT accepted: Ceiling tiles, adhesives, cement, mortar, chalk, roof cement, sealer. Small rolls of roof paper or ice shield – need at least 25'. Ladders and scaffolding.
CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
Accepted: Vanities, upper, and lower cabinets must be complete with all doors and drawers, and free of nails, screws, mold, water damage, grease, or excessive dirt.
Countertops must be under 6' long and 2' deep, free of damage, and no cut outs - unless cabinets are included.
Separate cabinet doors and drawers are NOT accepted.
DOORS & WINDOWS
Accepted: Exterior, interior, patio, sliding, screen and storm doors, under 8' tall, without damage or excessive dirt.
Operable, leak free windows under 6' long without damage and excessive dirt.
NOT accepted: Unfinished, hollow wood, bi-fold, and interior doors (unless new). Door jambs without doors (unless new). Commercial glass, garage, or shower doors.
Windows NOT accepted: Over 6', single pane, aluminum frame, old, weathered, water damaged, peeling, cracking, warping, leaking, with grime and excessive dirt.
Window treatments NOT accepted: Blinds, curtains, drapes, window shades.
FLOORING
Accepted: Must be at least 50 square feet, undamaged, uninstalled, and in original packaging – including tile.
New or remnant carpet – minimum 8'x10' clean rugs.
Underlayment at least 20'.
NOT accepted: Used flooring, grout, thinset.
FURNITURE
Accepted: Must be in resalable condition for our store, no missing parts, free of damage, stains, animal fur, and odor. Sectionals must have all sections, furniture and beds must have all feet and/or wheels.
NOT accepted: Bunk beds, medical beds, lift beds, water beds, mattresses or box springs, desks over 4', entertainment centers, exercise equipment, old or large metal file cabinets, grandfather clocks, pianos, organs, sewing machines, metal or glass TV stands. Oversize headboards and cabinets. 1970/80s style brass beds or glass tables.
HARDWARE
Accepted: Drawer and door pulls, knobs, handles, hinges, hooks, shelf brackets; nails, screws, and fasteners (in original boxes/containers only), free of paint, rust, and corrosion.
NOT accepted: Small items or fasteners that are not in original boxes/containers. TV mounting brackets.
HEATING & COOLING
Accepted: Electric air conditioners, fans, furnaces, hot water heaters, and space heaters less than 10 yrs old, in good working order, no damage, rust, frayed cords, or missing parts. Air filters, pipe (black, galvanized, or stainless), and connectors must be unused.
Wood burning stoves must be in good condition.
NOT accepted: Baseboard heaters, any gas heater, fireplace inserts.
HOME GOODS
Accepted: Artwork, mirrors, paintings, pictures in frames only; home décor, clocks, signs, and goods: all in good condition.
NOT accepted: Empty frames. Glass or mirrors without frames. Books, magazines, personal items, clothing, shoes, boots, cookware, dishes, linens, pails (unless new), shower curtains, table clothes, and wallpaper.
LANDSCAPING
Accepted: Must show that lawn tools and mowers work before donating; nothing over 10 yrs old.
Block, brick, and decorative stone needs to be in containers or on pallets.
Fencing needs to be complete, metal posts free of rust.
NOT accepted: Railroad ties or treated poles. Old, deteriorating, rusty, or dirty items.
LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL
Accepted: Light fixtures, lamps, and LED lights bulbs; must be in working order, with all parts – including mounting brackets, free of damage, paint, and corrosion.
Breakers and panels must be new or lightly used without paint or wear.
Switches, outlets, cover plates, dimmers and thermostats must be new in packaging.
Romex: 12 and 14 gauge, UF-B wire.
Conduit and connectors must be new.
Smart TVs only – must be in working order.
NOT accepted: Old dome/flush-mount ceiling lights, large chandeliers, recessed can or track lighting, incandescent bulbs, halogen floor lamps, fluorescent bulbs, tubes, or fixtures, lamp shades without lamps, glass light covers without fixture.
Electrical NOT accepted: Printers, computers, electronics, cables, wire connecters.
PLUMBING & BATHROOM
Accepted: PVC and PEX must be unused and at least 10'. Connectors must be unused, not discolored, and in containers.
Faucets, sinks, bathtubs, shower surrounds, shower floor pans, toilets, new toilet seats, medicine cabinets (no plastic shell). All items must be fully functioning, no missing parts, good condition, no chalk, paint, cracks, leaks, or corrosion.
NOT accepted: Jetted or cast-iron bathtubs, spas, hot tubs, garbage disposals, cast iron kitchen sinks, toilets under 1.6 gpf and over 16.5” high, not disassembled, and old toilet seats.
TOOLS
Accepted: All hand, yard, shop tools and machines need to be free of rust, paint, corrosion, complete with all parts, no defects, and in good working order. Battery operated tools must come with a good battery and charger. Must show gas power tools, electric motors, air compressors, table and miter saws work before donating.
NOT accepted: In addition to conditions above, any electrical tool with a frayed, replaced cord or plug; 9.6 V tools, batteries or chargers (or older); radial arm saws.
OTHER ITEMS WE DO NOT ACCEPT:
Baby items, car seats, strollers, toys, etc.
Chemicals or hazardous materials, machine fluids, oil, solvents, aerosol spray cans, finish, paint, stain, gas or fuel cans
Medical equipment and supplies
Metal file cabinets - unless it has a lock & key
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, life jackets, and other safety equipment
Tires and rims
Weapons & Ammunition