We know many of you are going to be shopping Friday, but did you know there's a local store where you can find big savings while also giving back to the community?
The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate has opened a specialty store that features merchandise from well known manufacturers at half price.
"We sell stuff at anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of the retail price in the store,'' said Habitat Executive Director Dennis Wallace. ''It's a great deal."
Most of the stock is brand new, donated by wholesalers trying to free up space in their warehouses.
You can get everything from home furnishings to home improvement supplies, and the best part is that the proceeds go to a good cause.
It all goes to building homes for low income families, like that of Rosario Rodriquez, who was given the keys to her first home this past weekend.
"I can't wait to move in,'' Rodriguez said Sunday. ''I'm all excited."
A local church, the City of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Board of Realtors contributed to help buy the materials for the house, which was built by volunteers.
Rodriguez and her family actually helped build the house as part of the 500 hours of "sweat equity" they must contribute. And like all Habitat for Humanity families, they'll have a mortgage.
"Habitat's not a giveaway,'' said Dennis Wallace. "After the home is finished, we sell it to them at no interest and no profit.'' The Rodriguez family will have mortgage payments of about $450 a month for 30 years. Their payments go to help build future houses.
The Habitat for Humanity store is located at 622 Jackson Street in Old Town Kern and is open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
