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Blue Shield of California and Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Distribute ReStore Gift Cards to Fire Victims

Blue Shield gives $50,000 worth of gift cards to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County’s ReStore to help fire survivors rebuild their lives



SANTA ROSA, Calif. (November 7, 2017) --- Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and Blue Shield of California announce new support for victims of the devastating Northern California wildfires. The nonprofit health plan’s donation of $50,000 to Habitat’s ReStore helps sponsor special store hours, discounts, and gift cards for fire survivors.

People impacted by the fires can register for $100 gift cards during regular ReStore hours and use the money to purchase new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more at a discounted price. This is an extension of the gift card program that GoFundMe and ReStore announced last month. Together, 1,500 gift cards are available to help fire survivors rebuild their lives.

“Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and its ReStore are committed to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope – a mission that is critical now more than ever in Sonoma County. Thanks to Blue Shield of California’s generous donation, we can help those who lost everything turn their new housing situation into a home," said Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County CEO John Kennedy.

"On behalf of Blue Shield of California, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by the wildfires in Northern California. This donation is one of several ways we are helping our neighbors rebuild from this devastating disaster,” said Blue Shield President and CEO Paul Markovich.

With the $50,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity, Blue Shield, its employees and Blue Shield of California Foundation have now contributed more than $83,000 to Northern California fire relief efforts. Blue Shield employees will also volunteer to help Habitat for Humanity build homes in the area during the health plan’s May 2018 Month of Giving and Service.

Here is more information about special shopping instructions for those impacted by the fires and how to donate to help those in need:

How to Shop


  • Please bring either a FEMA card, insurance claim, proof of residency at a structure that was burned, or proof of employment at a structure that was burned to receive a gift card.

  • Every Sunday in November, ReStore will be open only to fire victims between 10am and 4pm.


How to Donate

  • Donations for fire survivors can be dropped off on Saturdays between 9am and 4pm in order to be placed on the floor for Sundays.

  • New and used items that can be donated: Furniture, small kitchen appliances, dishes, home decor (wall art, mirrors, etc.), silverware, rugs.

  • New and In Packaging: Toiletries, cleaning supplies, bed linens (sheets, blankets, etc.), towels and washcloths, pillows (bed and sofa), pet supplies.

  • To donate goods, visit Sonoma County’s ReStore at 1201 Piner Road #500, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

  • To organize a donation drive or if you have donation questions contact restore@habitatsoco.org.


Contact: Clinton McGue, 415-229-5359, media@blueshieldca.com

About ReStore
ReStore is Sonoma County's 17,000 sq. ft. discount home improvement store selling new and gently-used building materials and furniture. Their departments include cabinets, appliances, furniture, home goods, windows, doors, flooring, plumbing, tools, garden, paint, and lighting. Inventory is donated by individuals, contractors, businesses, and wholesalers.

All operating profits from ReStore sales support Habitat’s build programs and some items donated to ReStore are used in Habitat homes. While making home improvement affordable for consumers, the store reduces the amount of waste that goes into the landfill.

Every ReStore donation, shopper, and volunteer makes the dream of homeownership more accessible in Sonoma County. Find ReStore on Facebook, or Instagram.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company’s mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $450 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com.