As it nears its second year in its new location in Springfield, the volunteers for Furniture Assist, a group that distributes furniture and other household items to people in need, will log in their 50,000 hour threshold. Furniture Assist (FA) is currently located at 24 Commerce Street in Springfield, just off Route 22 and Hillside Avenue. It was founded a dozen years ago, operated in Kenilworth for a number of years, and is still overseen by Dawson Yeomans and his wife Sandy of Newark along with a volunteer board of trustees: Tom Conniff, Ken Kardigan, Jennifer Scott, and Kassie Moran- Smith.
As its name implies, the group accepts furniture – beds, tables, chairs, desks etc. But they also accept just about anything that can be used by a family setting up a home: working electronics (computers, printers, phones etc.); children’s books; gently used clothing; linens; household goods, such as kitchen accessories/utensils; small appliances; decorative items, like wall art and knickknacks; lamps; as well as toys and games. Marilyn Court of Metuchen and Patricia Moran of Rahway are volunteers who sort through the toy donations, cleaning them, dressing the dolls, and counting all the pieces of a puzzle or game before distributing them on Sunday mornings to brighten the lives of children in need.
Qualified clients are referred to FA by social organizations, based on need. Maybe they were homeless now setting up their first home or perhaps they lost a home to fire or flood. On average, 15 families per week are helped – that’s nearly 10,000 families over the years – so there is always a great need for year-round donations. Furniture Assist is a registered 501(c) (3) organization so all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Volunteers supply a tax letter at the time of donations.
So if during these days of spring cleaning, you are wondering what to do with those usedbut- in-good-shape household items, consider delivering them to Furniture Assist at the Springfield address. They are open every Sunday, except holidays, from 12 – 2:30. Or, if you are looking for a charity to fill up those extra hours you have, FA is always open to volunteers. You can just show up and introduce yourself to Dawson or Sandy or give them a call at the phone number below. Many volunteers also help sort through donations on Mondays and Wednesdays following donations. The group also needs volunteers on the board of trustees to help run the organization. More information on the board can be found by emailing Board@FurnitureAssist.com
Kassie Moran-Smith, a resident of Westfield and a volunteer with FA for more than 10 years, most recently moved to the position of secretary for the Board. She is proud to announce a new initiative: 100 for 100.
“This program would double our budget.” She explains. “If 100 families/clubs/businesses and or groups/troops sent $100/month for the next year, FA would be able to hire our first paid employee. This valuable member would write grant applications, expand and run our volunteer program, and help plan fundraisers to support specific projects, such as purchasing a truck, which FA can use to help clients move their new furniture into their new homes.” The box truck would also be used to move items to the group’s largest fundraiser: A Yard Sale! This year, it will be held in Westfield on Prospect St, Friday May 5th and Saturday May 6th.
To help with the rent and publicity, Furniture Assist appreciates any financial assistance, even if you cannot afford the 100 for 100. All financial donations should be sent to Furniture Assist, Inc., 24 Commerce St. Springfield, NJ 07081. Include a note if it is for the 100 for 100. For more information, check out their website at www.furnitureassist.com or call 973-868-6007.
(above) Pat Moran works on cleaning and grooming a Bratz doll, one of the many donations to Furniture Assist.
