When Quarantine Comes, Things Go
By Ariane Kjellquist
Having put it off for years, Charlie and Tricia Franck were long overdue for some (Marie) Kondo-ing. Quarantine stretched on and after so many days of “what do you want to do today?” the answer finally became “go through all the gems we’ve collected over the past 43 years.” Thirty-three of those years were lived overseas including in Thailand, Kenya, and Egypt and the couple participated in (and led) numerous Habitat Global Village Builds – more opportunities to acquire things.
Dedicated Asheville Habitat supporters, the Francks called the ReStore to schedule a curbside and contactless pick-up of all the items they were ready to part with. Recognizing that many neighbors are at the same point in their lives – thinking about the next chapter and downsizing – Charlie decided to try to make their individual donation pick-up a community-wide one. The Homeowners Association in their Reems Creek Golf Community got the message out and soon the morning stop for the ReStore truck because a full-day stop as many neighbors had also been spring cleaning during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order.
Michelle Smith, ReStore Donations Manager shared, “It was a pleasure working with such thoughtful donors like the Franck’s throughout this quarantined time. I absolutely loved that they were so proactive in supporting our need, and that they went above and beyond to connect with their community to make this great day of donations happen.”
When asked if they had fun reminiscing as they went through all their things, Charlie laughed and suggested I halt my inquiry unless I wanted Tricia back in the garage removing things from the donation pile! She confirmed they had lots of fun traveling down memory lane, and that some items were easier to let go than others.
Tricia also shared that her good friend Margaret Averyt, another Asheville Habitat supporter, was at her mother’s home in SC and she was coming back with a carload of original artwork, crystal, and more – to contribute to the community donation pick-up for the ReStore!
We are grateful that Charlie, Tricia, Margaret, and so many of their neighbors who chose to donate their gently used “gems” to the Asheville Habitat ReStore. We know shoppers will be delighted to give them a new home.
If you would like to schedule a donation pick-up for yourself – or arrange one for your neighborhood – please call the ReStore at 828.254.6706. ReStore proceeds help fund Habitat’s building programs. So clean out your home to help someone else build theirs. Thank you!
