Habitat For Humanity's Upcycling Center

When you think of Habitat for Humanity, you may think of volunteers building homes for those in need.

Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity's mission is to help families build and improve places to call home. But they need funds in order to provide those houses. 

The restore center in Norman is Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity's biggest fundraising source. They get donations like tile, windows, sinks and couches. Then they re-sell those items in the Restore. This has given them the ability to build over 50 houses in Cleveland County. 

"We have so many things in this store, you never know what kind of treasures you're going to find when you come here. But some of the things that are donated, need a little extra love, and so in that vein, we came up with this idea of creating the Upcyclce Center," said Deputy Director Andrea Marler. 

The Upcyclce Center take pieces that would normally sell for $20, and refurbishes the items, making it increase in value. 

"The great thing about the Upcycle Center is that it allows to one, lower our carbon footprint and keep our landfills from keeping tons of things in them, but it also helps us expand out volunteer base," said Marler. 

Each week, the Upcycle Center holds classes. Anything from woodworking to creating artwork out of old books. Classes usually run anywhere from 20 to 45 dollars. 

"Don't be afraid to try something new because it's so much fun, a little therapeutic and a way to give back to the community in a way that you might not have thought before," said Marler. 

There are several ways to volunteer with Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity, but the Upcylce Center gives you a way to volunteer creatively. 

If you want more information about the Upcycling Center, or you want to sign up for a class, click here.