It’s that time of year when we take stock of what we all have to be thankful for and feel good about sharing. We have written in the past about various ways to be thankful, like volunteer opportunities around the holidays and especially Thanksgiving.
This year we want to point out some fantastic nonprofit 501(c) organizations that are taking care of people in our fair city. Because the concept of home is so essential for everyone and, well, we work in the home business, so we love the idea of helping people discover a sense of place and home.
We especially like these groups because they help people create homes. If you have good furniture and home goods that you are ready to give away, consider donating to these places.
Beds for Kids
This organization provides beds and other furniture items to families who are rising out of poverty and don’t have the resources to furnish a home. Children need a safe place to sleep; it is essential for learning, growing and having a sense of security.
It all started back in 2010, when a few guys delivered some furniture to a family that had recently moved out of a shelter and into a home. They realized this family was just one of thousands who needed help. Fast forward to today, Beds for Kids has helped more than 7,000 families, delivering more than 180,000 pieces of furniture including 20,000 beds. Go to the Beds for Kids website to learn more about donating and volunteering.
Furnish For Good
Beyond connecting lightly-used home furnishings to underserved communities, this organization curates and showcases their items so the recipients can shop with dignity. For just a couple hundred dollars, families can fully furnish and accessorize their home.
Three Charlotte moms looking for a way to help people transitioning from a shelter to a home of their own started Furnish For Good in 2019. One at a time, their clients shop the showroom, selecting quality furniture, lamps, dishes and other items. Go to the Furnish For Good website to learn more about donating furnishings or money.
Assistance League of Charlotte
Although this organization isn’t as much about home furnishings, we wanted to highlight them because they do such important work. Assistance League of Charlotte’s mission is to transform the lives of children by providing them with the tools they need to grow and learn: food, clothing, mentorship and education. The organization serves students at 27 of Charlotte’s high-poverty elementary schools, selected in collaboration with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
You can support this worthy cause by donating to or shopping at its thrift store, or by making a tax deductible donation. They even have an ebay store. Learn more about it on the Assistance League of Charlotte website.
Honorable Mention
While we did want to give attention to organizations that are based in Charlotte and help our Charlotte family, we must give an honorable mention to Habitat for Humanity. The organization has a fascinating history. The idea came from a farmer and biblical scholar in Georgia. That’s where the idea of “partnership housing” was developed. People in need of adequate shelter worked side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses.
Habitat for Humanity now works in all 50 states and more than 70 countries. It has helped more than 46 million people achieve strength, stability and independence. We are also big fans of the Re-Stores. We shop there often.
Whether it’s time, furniture or money, we hope you consider giving to these or other worthy charitable organizations.