Help someone with the furniture you no longer want
December 19th, 2005 Category Furniture, ReviewsHaving five kids in your home keeps appliances like a washer and dryer in operation every day — sometimes twice a day.
Just ask Sherry DuBois of Battle Creek, whose gas dryer broke about a month ago.
Within a day of calling to see if she could get assistance to replace her broken dryer, the leaders of a new program, FurniShare, saved her from having to spend $40 a week at a laundromat.
DuBois’ husband was able to pick up a used gas dryer at FurniShare, free of charge.
“I had already been without a dryer for a week, and it was starting to pile up,” said DuBois, who has two children and three grandchildren in her home. “I am grateful for what they did. They got right on it.”
FurniShare recently formed from seven Battle Creek nonprofit organizations working together to channel people who need household items to one location.
Battle Creek had gone six months without an official program after the Furniture Bank, run by the Department of Human Services, ended its giveaway program because of budget cuts, according to Bruce Woerner, associate director of Habitat for Humanity.
FurniShare is different from other giveaway programs in the city because it works with large household items. The other agencies that accept donations focus on clothes and small household items.
Nonprofit organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Charitable Union, The Haven, SAFE Place, Santa’s Helper, Share Center and the Volunteer Center have committed to channeling their customers in need to FurniShare. Others may call 211, the local number for assistance, Woerner said.
“This is a kickoff to something that we believe has the potential to go a long way,” Woerner said.
The program is twofold.
People in need can get items for their home.
And others who have an unwanted throw rug, sofa headed for the dumpster or lamp that doesn’t fit their taste anymore could help furnish someone else’s home. Anyone who wants to donate can call and within 24 hours arrangements will be made to pick up the items, said Dick Fink, executive director of Charitable Union.
“We need items it takes to put a house together — beds, furniture, carpet, glass,” Woerner said. “We want to be on the road five or six days a week picking things up.”
To get a jump-start on the program, a lot of stuff is needed right now, Woerner said. The items will be housed at Habitat for Humanity.
Through grants from the Battle Creek Community Foundation and the Miller Foundation, FurniShare has a truck and money for its upkeep. Woerner said it would take between $10,000 and $12,000 a year to run the program because of truck maintenance.
“We’re looking for neighborhood associations to get involved, and let’s get on a schedule to do a pickup once a month or so,” Woerner said. “Or could it be that a business wants to get rid of some things? All they have to do is call and we’ll pick it up.”
Karen Lynn Todd
For the Enquirer
From: battlecreekenquirer.com