Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "ReUseIt Center"?
ReUseIt Center is the first of its kind here in the western suburbs. It is a non-profit that sells building material donated by local builders, suppliers, remodelers, and homeowners to the general public. ReUseIt hopes to divert tons of reusable materials from our precious landfills and provide materials to the public at low prices, and with its revenue, support programs of its parent non-profit organization the Mid-Valley Neighborhood Improvement Association, Inc. (MVNIA)

Is ReUseIt Center open to the public?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to shop at ReUseIt Center. It is open to the general public and there is no income criteria required to shop here. Our revenue goes into our programs - many of which benefit lower income homeowners.

Effective August 23, 2007, ReUseIt's Hours are:

Wednesday 10 - 5

Thursday 10 - 7

Friday 10 - 5

Saturday 10 - 5

CLOSED Sunday, Monday & Tuesday

What does ReUseIt Center sell?
Sales items may consist of but are not limited to: kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, interior and exterior lighting fixtures, bath tubs, sinks, hardware, door knobs, roofing, carpet, ceramic tile, trim, interior and exterior doors, lumber and windows. Take a look at our inventory page. Not everything we have in the store is listed on that page, but it will give you a good idea of the type of materials we sell. Be sure to check back often as our inventory changes daily!

How are the items priced at ReUseIt Center?
Materials are sold to the public at approximately 30 - 75% off the retail price. Occasionally, prices are slashed even lower to move an item off the sales floor to make room for more inventory.

Where do items come from?
ReUseIt Center accepts new and used building-related materials from contractors, suppliers, individuals, remodelers, property managers and homeowners.

How often do you get new merchandise?
Our inventory changes often - we are receiving new items weekly, if not daily.

What donations CAN ReUseIt accept?

• Appliances - accepted on a case-by-case basis (please call for consideration)
• Cabinets - kitchen/bath (not damaged and ready to re-install)
• Architectural - columns, details, medallions, finials, etc.
• Plumbing - bathtubs, sinks, pedestals, faucets, parts and supplies
• Electrical - useable fixtures, parts and supplies
• Windows - insulated, stained, leaded (no broken glass, no sashes accepted)
• Hardware - door knobs, hinges, locks, nails, cabinet pulls, nuts, bolts, screws
• Lumber - at least 6' in length
• Doors - with jambs preferred, interior, exterior (No broken glass)
• Roofing - shingles, (no scrap materials please!)
• Carpet - new or next to new with no stains or odors, new padding only
• Tools - hand, garden, working power
• Flooring - wood, ceramic tile, vinyl
• Millwork/trim - wood casing and base, vinyl base, ceramic
• Masonry - brick stone, pavers
• Fireplace mantels and surrounds
• Wrought ironwork (i.e. fence, architectural detail, railing)
• Miscellaneous - masonry, sheathing, siding, drywall supplies

What donations can ReUseIt Center NOT accept?

How do I go about donating an item?
If you have good, reusable or new materials, give us a call at (630) 761-4240. For more details, please check out the donations section. We ask that delivery be part of your donation if possible.

Will you pick items up?
It is a possibility, but due to our limited pick up schedule we prefer to have materials dropped off at a scheduled time.

Where do the proceeds from the sales go?
Proceeds from ReUseIt Center sales support Mid-Valley Neighborhood Improvement Association’s programs - primarily their Emergency Home Repair Fund (EHRF) for homeowners in need of emergency repair to their homes to maintain safety or resolve health issues. When appropriate, donated materials may be used for income-qualified MVNIA clients as well.

Are my donations tax deductible?
Very possibly. Please consult with a tax accountant. When you donate material, you will receive a receipt for your tax records. To receive a receipt for your donation, you will be required to fill out your name and address for our records kept for the IRS. Those not complying, cannot receive a receipt.

Does ReUseIt Center place a value on the items we donate?
No, you place the value on your donations for your tax record.

How many TONS of materials has ReUseIt sold so far and kept out of our landfills?
As of our opening on 9/24/05, ReUseIt Center has kept 231+ tons of materials out of area landfills.

How can my business and or organized group get involved?
There are many ways local businesses and organizations can contribute:

• Financially (cash donations are always welcome!)

• Equipment (see home page for our WISH list or call our office)

• Material donations (see donation page for list)

• Sponsoring a special event for ReUseIt Center

• Advertising assistance (e.g. placing an ad for or with ReUseIt in a local paper or with a radio station, etc. or purchasing an ad in our organization's new newsletter House 2 House)

• Volunteering personally or encouraging your staff and members of your organization to volunteer at ReUseIt

And of course, the easiest way of contributing to our overall effort is by SHOPPING at ReUseIt and spreading the word to your colleagues and friends that we have quality materials at great prices!

How can I get involved?
ReUseIt Center is always looking for volunteers to help with stocking shelves, picking up donations, and general store upkeep. Please check the volunteers section of our site for more information.

Thank you for your support!