Furniture Banks Kick off Campaign

June 14, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on June 2006 The National Furniture Bank Association., a non-profit organization representing almost 70 furniture banks across the country, has launched a new campaign, “600 in ’06,” with a goal of gaining 600 sponsors to help expand existing furniture banks and open new locations.

Furniture banks collect used home furnishings from the general public, then donate them to needy families, such as survivors of natural disasters, women and children escaping domestic violence, and working families living below the poverty line. Furniture banks annually collect and distribute over 1,000,000 pieces of furniture, translating into consumers purchasing 1,000,000 pieces of new furniture to replace donated items.

Phil Van Poetsch, executive director of the NFBA, said the home furnishings industry has embraced this effort “first and foremost because it’s a very worthy cause. It’s good for your soul, and it’s good for the industry as a whole.”

NFBA said sponsorship benefits include increased store traffic from consumers who donate furniture and need replacements; great public relations; a marketing springboard through matching-fund campaigns; and financial benefits of tax breaks for monetary or in-kind donations.

Nearly two dozen sponsors have come forward to show their support in advance of the 600 in ’06 kick off.

“I’m proud to do whatever I can,” said Mary Ann Levitt, president of Brueners Arizona and the 2006 president of National Home Furnishings Association. “I know that our industry can only make an impact if we all act together, now, and show the American public we care.”

Initial sponsors include: Alperts Furniture, Badcock Home Furniture, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Bruener’s Arizona, Gabbert’s Furniture, Gorin’s Furniture, Furniture First, Hooker Furniture, Jennifer Convertibles, Kathy Ireland Home by Alta, Kathy Ireland Home by Hanna’s Candles, Kathy Ireland Home by Labs, Kathy Ireland Home by Martin, Kathy Ireland Home by Pacific Coast Lighting, Kathy Ireland Home by Standard, Kathy Ireland Home by Therapedic, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, Lack’s Furniture, MGM Transport Corp., National Cos., and Wolf Furniture.

Industry associations supporting the effort include Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, Futon Association International, Home Furnishings International Association, Interior Design Society, International Home Furnishings Representatives Association, National Home Furnishings Association, North American Retail Dealers Association, Unfinished Furniture Association, Western Home Furnishings Association, and WithIt.