Help1Up Appeals To Furniture Industry: Help 250,000 Children In Desperate Need Of Furniture

Furniture World Magazine

An estimated 250,000 children in need will sleep on the floor tonight. That’s a cold fact to consider as the people of the furniture industry gather with their families in comfortable homes over the holiday break. Financial support for the furniture industry’s unified charitable effort, Help1Up, is greatly needed before the end of the year. Funds donated to the non-profit National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) are tax deductible, and are used to open new furniture banks and to expand the service capacity of existing furniture banks. Furniture banks collect used furniture from the general public, then give it directly to children and families in need. Mothers and children escaping domestic violence, victims of natural disasters, and working families living below the poverty line are typical recipients of the donated items. “If every company in the industry donated a few hundred dollars, or each person gave even $20, we could double or triple the number of furniture banks in America,” said NFBA executive director Don Lawrence. “I know that people in the industry have big hearts, and it’s time for them to show it.” Individuals or companies can make a tax-deductible contribution through the Help1Up.org website, or by contacting the NFBA by phone or e-mail. Steve DeHaan, executive vice president of the National Home Furnishings Association, serves on the NFBA board of directors. “I know that every company could put together a donation, and it’s a nice gesture to make during the holidays,” said DeHaan. “Our industry needs to support Help1Up.” About the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA): With a mission to open new furniture banks and to expand the service capacity of existing furniture banks, the NFBA is the non-profit association of furniture banks. Help1Up is the “Charity of Choice” of the National Home Furnishing Association (NHFA), and is endorsed by AHFA - American Home Furnishings Alliance; BIFMA - Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association International; CFMA - California Furniture Manufacturers Association; FAI - Futon Association International; HFIA - Home Furnishings Independents Association; IDS - Interior Design Society; IHFRA - International Home Furnishings Representatives Association; NARDA - North American Retail Dealers Association; UFA - Unfinished Furniture Association; WHFA - Western Home Furnishings Association; and, WithIt - Women in the Home Industries Today. For more information contact: Don Lawrence Executive Director National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) (800) 576 0774 dlawrence@help1up.org