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The public is invited to the grand opening of the new Habitat for Humanity store at 305 2nd Street in Monroe, a site closer to Monroe's main shopping area.

The March 30th grand opening, from Noon to 3:00 p.m., will enable people to see the new store and enjoy free refreshments.

The store currently has a healthy supply of furniture, appliances, doors, windows, hardware, and decorative items from rugs to wall art. As store manager Bobby Cassell notes, "You never know what you'll find here. The inventory is always changing."

Volunteers have been busy for the past few weeks painting, building displays, and arranging merchandise. The owners of Baumgartner's Cheese Store and Tavern helped by having employees to move inventory. Swiss Colony provided employees and a company truck to help expedite the move.

Cassell has been the manager since the first store opened four years ago. His previous retail experience enabled him to develop the store into an attractive, organized business that recycles no-longer-needed materials donated by individuals and companies. The items are offered for sale at a significant discount.

The store is open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The phone number is (608) 328-2128.

Green County Habitat for Humanity was established in 1991, and has been instrumental in building 23 homes in Green County as well as performing repair and rehab services for eligible individuals. The retail store was established to help reduce waste and enable people to purchase useable items at reduced prices.