Gorin Opens Furniture Bank For United Way

August 10, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on August 2006 According to a report by Anthony Cronin in Newsday, Gorin’s Furniture in Norwich, CT, is creating a new “furniture bank” with the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. The bank will supply what Gorin calls “gently used” furniture to a family in need of a couch for the living room, or a table on which to share meals.

According to United Way officials, the people who will benefit are women and children fleeing domestic violence, families struggling to pay the bills or those who are transitioning to more permanent housing.

“This is just an incredibly generous program,”Sharon McCombs, United Way’s vice president of resource development, told Newsday.

The Gales Ferry-based agency is partnering with Gorin on the new project. The program is likely the first or second partnership of its kind in the country, she said to Newsday reporter Cronin.

Along with staffing the database for the furniture bank, The United Way will oversee the screening of individuals and families in the region by various social-service agencies, then match a donor’s furniture with the individual’s needs.

Gorin will supply furniture from trade-in sales at the Norwich store, donations from the community are encouraged. Donations are tax deductible.

United Way officials say they prefer that such donations be dropped off at Gorin’s store on the New London Turnpike. After a match is made between the furniture and someone in need, United Way will give a tax receipt to the donor. McComb says that items that are donated to the new furniture bank should be in good condition: no rips, tears, or stains.

Since Gorin’s start in 1936, the retailer has gone through five expansions and will soon start work on its sixth, including adding a second floor to its flagship store.