IGBA’s ReSource Depot Seeks Donated Materials, Rent and Advertising

(L to R) Doug White, Karen Vahling, Rob Crane (behind Vahling) Joan Wilson, Bill Willigerod, Barry Devine and “Alabama Tim.”

The Island Green Building Association’s newest program, The ReSource Depot — a nonprofit store for used and surplus building materials — is now open and seeking donations of materials as well as sponsors to adopt container space and advertising in order to help keep the operation a success.

“We need home and building materials in good, working condition,” said Karen Vahling, IGBA executive director. “We accept any material that can build a home, so we can keep it in use, affordable and out of the dumpsters and landfill. Once it is here on island we should keep it in use.”

Items accepted include windows, doors, kitchen, bath, lighting, plumbing, sinks, tools, electrical, lumber, garden/landscaping items and certain furniture and décor. Mattresses and clothing are not accepted.

“We especially need lumber and tools right now, the basics that help people build,” Vahling said. “Any leftover items from a remodel or construction project can help make the ReSource Depot a community asset, and donors will receive a tax letter from our 501(c)3 nonprofit.”

Donations can be dropped off at ReSource Depot Saturdays between 10 a.m. and noon, located at the Storage on Site container area across from the waste transfer station. Special arrangements can be made for other drop off times and home pickups by calling 227-1110.

Many new and gently used items are in stock, and an inventory list is available on IGBA’s website: www.igba-stjohn.org. ReSource Depot also maintains a “Wish List” for people seeking specific items, and informs them when they come in.

Adopt-a-Box
To help get ReSource Depot well established, and with many overhead costs in the critical first year, IGBA is seeking sponsors to “Adopt-A-Box” — the container space needed for inventory. Each 20-foot container costs $200/month, and more space is needed.

ReSource has already tripled its space to two containers and a 10-foot outdoor area in between, but needs two more containers. Volunteers have noticed that shoppers want to see the entire inventory in person, but some inventory is still stored at donor’s homes.

Adopt-an-Ad
Sponsors are being sought to “Adopt-an-Ad” in newspapers to promote the ReSource Depot. Each advertising block will feature new inventory updates, to engage and inform the community about the savings and materials available.

“People say how much this is needed for St. John, and what a great idea it is,” said Vahling. “But we need to get the word out on a regular basis so people remember that to reduce, reuse and recycle is their first option for home building. This is an important aspect of green building and a sustainable future both locally and globally.”

With outstanding community response in the first month, The ReSource Depot has kept over 2,000 pounds of materials in use and out of the landfill. Shoppers have found new and used building supplies at a fraction of the cost of new, without shipping. Sales proceeds fund ReSource Depot and IGBA’s green building educational programs. With continued success, plans are to expand store hours and create new jobs for local residents.

Memberships and donations can be done online, by mail, or with Pay Pal. For more information, visit www.igba-stjohn.org or call Vahling at 227-1110.