Habitat for Humanity Urging 'Snowbirds' to Donate

Habitat for Humanity Coachella Valley is hoping to benefit from a phenomenon that happens in college towns across the country, the one where students headed home for the summer leave belongings behind that they don't want to haul back with them.

In Coachella Valley the population headed out annually is different, but the movement is similar, as "snowbirds" from colder climates get set to return home in May, according to Habitat for Humanity. 

These seasonal residents often leave behind furniture and fixtures from redecorating projects, scrap materials from home improvement efforts, and outdoor decorations, officials said in a news release.  The organization's ReStore in Palm Desert often gets donated goods from part-time residents headed out of town.

“We see a big upswing in donations this time of year,” said ReStore Manager Tony West in a statement.  “People bring in everything from building supplies to cabinets, from carpets to furniture and tools.  They like knowing that their left-over supplies will help families in need, and we all like the fact that they’re not ending up in a landfill.”

ReStore donations are tax-deductible and Habitat will pick up large items.

The items collected in Coachella Valley typically are more mainstream then what people might see if it were college students, and not "snowbirds" donating, officials said.

“We tend to get more plumbing supplies and light fixtures, and fewer cases of ramen noodles or hula hoops,” said Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley Board Member Kyle Radke in a statement.  “Though, that being said, for some reason we do happen to have a pretty nice plastic tambourine in the ReStore right now!” 

To donate your furniture, appliances, building materials, or tools, call Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley at 760-770-3723 or stop by the ReStore Monday-Friday from 8a.m.-4p.m. at 34500 Gateway Dr # 100 Palm in Palm Desert (behind Sam’s Club).