Volunteer of the Week: Bernice Douglass

Bernice Douglass of Verona started at the Habitat for Humanity over the summer after finding out about it at the Lincoln-Lemington Senior Center.

“They sent a representative there and they told us that they were trying to open the store and could do it with more volunteers,” she said. “I’ve been here ever since and really enjoy doing it.”

Douglass has her own desk near the front door marked with “hospitality” on the front.

“I am more or less the greeter and I check slips and packages as people leave, just like at Wal-Mart,” Douglass said.

Her family is amazed by the work she continues to do in the community.

“They always say, ‘When are you going to sit down?’” she said.

Volunteering at the Edgewood Towne Center ReStore always gives her personal rewards, in addition to keeping her active. All of the items in the store are donated and sold at a discount, with some of the goods going toward Habitat for Humanity houses built in the region.

“People are so pleased when they leave because they find so much at a good price,” Douglass said. “It’s nice to see people smile as they leave after they find their treasures.”

The Habitat for Humanity Restore at Edgewood Towne Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.pittsburghhabitat.org/shop. The store is run by an all-volunteer staff and through donations of gently used home goods and appliances.