What does it mean when we think of “Building More”? Are we constructing a massive deck or shingling a large roof? Maybe there is a hint that we get more “bang for our buck”; that somehow we have gotten a great deal and so we can build more on the same amount of money we would have otherwise spent.
It can mean all of these, but in the way ARM will approach it-it is that we are building more at a spiritual level. The Buildmore Store will be more than a “thrift store”. We will do things differently with a focus on serving as no other store could serve. Our approach to everyday life and to everyday people is out of Christ’s example of love, mercy, and grace. “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” 1 Colossians 3:12.
The Buildmore Store serves three main purposes. First, it is a great place to donate items you may have especially if you are remodeling. Instead of throwing out the stove or washer/dryer set, you can donate it and receive a tax credit. Also consider things such as doors, faucets, tools, or other building materials that can help keep our stock robust and with great variety. Second, it provides a place for a bargain hunters to pick up needed items at heavily discounted prices. Third, we will be able to use many of these items with the families that we serve through home repair and it will help us offset our costs as well.
Our values: Our goal is to provide the Auburn/Opelika community with a store that communicates an ethos of service and investment into our communities. We are not out to profit for profit’s sake but to build our capacity to serve families in rural communities who desperately need home repair. Repairs are done by volunteers most of who are youth and young adults. Not only are we creating service opportunities for our rising leaders but also creating places for building relationships that bridge age, race, and many other barriers. What kind of people will we therefore be? “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” Isaiah 58:12
What we sell: The Buildmore Store will be a specialized “thrift store”. Our focus is on appliances-stoves, washers/dryers, refrigerators etc; home fixtures such as vent fans, light fixtures, commodes, and doors. We’ll be accepting tools to include power tools, hand tools, and anything in- between. Building supply materials may include lumber, roofing shingles, insulation and metal. Finally, basic furniture like tables, chairs, dresser drawers, etc will help round out the home needs. If it has to do with building or construction, we hope to have it to sell and certainly will accept it as a donation.
How to donate: A couple of ways. First, you can bring it by during operating hours and we will take it off your hands. Or, you can call us and we will arrange to come and pick it up. Either way, we will provide you with a receipt that you can use for your tax purposes. You will also receive a letter from us near tax season that totals your donations. (We are currently taking donations but will not be open for sale till after October 1)
Why is the Buildmore Store important? Each year we repair 15-20 homes in the Lee and Macon County communities. That is 15-20 families who are helped, who no longer have to put out pots and pans when it rains or receive a much needed wheelchair ramp. But, there are several that we cannot get to each year and must wait. We can speed up this process. Also consider how many youth and young adults are serving with us and building their leadership skills, learning a new skill, and building relationships and community. So, when you purchase something-you really are putting your treasures in better places. And when you donate, you contribute to the lives of people within our own community.
We are currently building this incredible team. Would you like to be part of a caring and committed staff team dedicated to serving our community and seeing your day-to-day function as a ministry? Then consider applying with us.
Position openings: We have position openings for the following areas:
1) Manager: Full time position Full time position with the key responsibilities of managing and leading the daily store operations. This will include managing the staff work schedules, tracking daily sales and inventory, receiving and stocking inventory, overseeing the merchandise pick up schedule, designing sales, overseeing marketing events and reporting sales progress to the ARM director.
2) Assistant Manager: Full time position with the key responsibilities of assisting the manager in the daily store operations. This will include managing the staff work schedules, tracking daily sales and inventory, receiving and stocking inventory, overseeing the merchandise pick up schedule, designing sales, overseeing marketing events and reporting sales progress to the ARM director. Will be responsible for upkeep of the store website and social media.
3) Bookkeeper: Part time position (4-5 hours/week). Will input sales progress into Quickbooks and process cash flow reports, budget reports, profit and loss statements, and manage inventory reports with the store manager. Will pay monthly, quarterly, and yearly accounts. Payroll management is not required.
Once these positions are filled, we will have needs for a driver and helper.
If you are interested or need more information, please email lisa@arm-al.org.
We are located at 1302 1st Avenue in Opelika. On the web at http://buildmorestore.com
