Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley

1675 N Franklin St, Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 381-1144

ReStore Volunteer FAQs:

Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley (HFHNRV) thanks you for considering to volunteer
at the ReStore.
Please see below for FAQs:

Do I have to complete Safety Orientation before I can sign up to volunteer?

Yes! You have to complete orientation once (5 business days in advance of your volunteer date.
You may possibly get an exception if you contact the Volunteer Coordinator at
Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org and 540-381-1144) then you can sign up as many times as you
want afterward.
We require you to complete "New Employee Safety Orientation" online safety course. Make
sure Adobe Flash is installed on your web browser to ensure safety courses work properly!
1. Go to www.hfhaffiliateinsurance.com
2. Click "BEGIN NOW"
3. The access code is generated when you click "BEGIN NOW" and will be in the left column.
4. All ReStore volunteers should take "New Employee Safety Orientation" near the bottom of
the first column.
5. If you are interested in additional courses, we also recommend "Back Safety" and "Workplace
Safety for Employees", but these are not required to sign up.

Can Safety Courses count toward my volunteer hours?

Yes, safety courses do count toward hours. Please indicate on your profile which courses you
have taken upon signing up. We receive safety certificates shortly after completion.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Register as a new volunteer at VolunteerUp (https://volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=304).
Once you have signed in, you will see dates that are available to volunteer on the calendar.
Select the day and shift you want to volunteer and sign yourself up.

How do I sign up a group?

Register as a new volunteer at VolunteerUp (https://volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=304).
Once you have signed in, you will see which dates are available to volunteer. You can sign up for
the date and shift you want by registering yourself and up to 1 guest.

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The Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you for more information. If you have
questions, please contact Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540) 381-1144.

What is the maximum number of people that can volunteer?

Typically, 2 is the maximum number of people who can volunteer at the ReStore per shift.
Several times a year there are larger ReStore projects that need more than 2 volunteers.
Typically, as a registered volunteer, you will receive an email notification about these special
projects and they will be displayed on the calendar.
For larger groups (3+), please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org
and at (540) 381-1144.

Can children volunteer?

Typically, no one under 16 is allowed to volunteer at the ReStore. But, children 13+ can
volunteer if there is an adult who volunteers at the same time.
Occasionally, there are opportunities for children to help. Please contact the Volunteer
Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org and (540) 381-1144, to find out the next time that
children can volunteer.

How do I get a Liability Waiver?

A liability waiver will be provided prior to your volunteer date (or go here:
https://volunteerup.com/Waivers/NewRiver_Waiver.pdf). Please fill out the form completely,
and print legibly.
Please bring a completed liability waiver with you when you volunteer.

Do I need to have any skills?

We welcome everyone. The only skills necessary is the willingness to work in a retail store
environment. You will be taught everything you need to know. If you do have retail experience,
that’s fantastic!

What will happen at the ReStore when I arrive?

At the start of your shift, our ReStore General Manager (Jodie Rutzinski), or an Assistant
ReStore Manager will welcome you and provide safety and work instructions. Sometimes you
will be receiving donations at our dock, organizing shelves, rearranging the store, cleaning,
painting, organizing our warehouse, etc. or any number of things that it takes to run a
successful retail store. They will give you specific instructions and guidance to complete your
task.

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Where is the ReStore?
1675 N. Franklin Street, Christiansburg. It is across the street from the Christiansburg Rec
Center.

What is the time commitment?

There are 2 shifts per day:
• 11 am – 2 pm
• 2 – 5 pm
Please be at the ReStore at the beginning of your shift for safety and work instructions.

When am I supposed to show up?

Please be at the ReStore at the beginning of your shift for safety and work instructions.
There are 2 shifts per day:
• 11 am – 2 pm
• 2 – 5 pm

Will lunch or dinner be provided?

Lunch and dinner are typically not provided. Please have your lunch or dinner before or after
your shift. Our ReStore is within easy walking distance to McDonalds and Sam’s Hot Dog Stand.

When do we stop working?

Please plan to stay until the end of your shift. Please check with Jodie or the Assistant Manager
before you leave for the day.
There are 2 shifts per day:
• 11 am – 2 pm
• 2 – 5 pm

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the work day. Wear items that can get dirty,
ripped, etc. Shirts must have at least a tee shirt length sleeve. You must wear closed toed shoes
- do not wear flip flops, backless shoes or Crocs. For safety, do not wear loose, oversized
clothing or dangling jewelry. Summer months can be hot/humid (shorts are allowed) and it can
get very cold in the winter (wear layers). Please dress appropriately.

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What should I bring?
Please bring a great attitude to help in any way you can.
Also, please do not forget to bring your Liability Waiver
(https://volunteerup.com/Waivers/NewRiver_Waiver.pdf). Please fill out the form completely
and print legibly.

Should I bring my own tools?

Personal safety equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc.) are provided when needed. We
strongly suggest that you do not bring any tools.

What if the weather is forecasted to be inclement?

Check the VolunteerUp Calendar, your volunteer day may be labelled as “Cancelled”. As long as
you entered your contact information correctly (Phone, Email) you will be informed of
cancellations. Please reach out to Jodie at (540) 381-1155 if the day has not been cancelled and
you are unable to make it.

Should I bring personal items with me?

Personal valuables will not be completely safe at the ReStore. We accept no responsibility for
lost or stolen items. We highly recommend that you do not bring items that you consider
valuable to the ReStore. We will provide all the tools and materials you will need to volunteer.

What are the security procedures?/What if I see someone suspicious?

Security must be maintained at the ReStore. Concealed weapons, drugs, or alcoholic beverages
of any kind are absolutely not permitted at the ReStore. Violators will be asked to leave. If you
see someone suspicious, let a manger know!

Can I bring Animals/Pets?

Animals/pets are not allowed at the ReStore (by volunteers).

Is there a media policy?

Media reporters in the New River Valley are always welcome to cover ReStore activities and
events. If you see a media reporter at the ReStore by themselves – instantly alert a Habitat staff
member.

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Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley very much appreciates your volunteer efforts.
Without volunteers like you, Habitat wouldn’t be as successful as we are.
Donations at our ReStore are critical to our success. We try to keep our ReStore full so
that people in our community can purchase affordable items for home improvements
and furnishing. The ReStore generates about a third of all of Habitat NRV’s revenue.
That revenue goes right into building more affordable homes for families in our area.

Thank you again for volunteering!

If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of
the New River Valley, at (540) 381-1144 or Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org.