Every family deserves to live in a furnished home, and the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio works to make that happen. Recently, SWACO’s executive director Ty Marsh met with Furniture Bank President Steve Votaw to discuss how the nonprofit charitable organization gives furniture to families struggling with poverty or other severe life challenges and learn how a recent grant from SWACO was helping the organization deliver on its mission.

This year, the Furniture Bank received a $35,000 grant from SWACO for a new 16-foot box truck to collect and deliver donated furniture. The new truck enables the Furniture Bank to divert furniture from the landfill and give those items new life with 10,000 people trying to turn houses into homes.

“The Furniture Bank is so grateful to partner with SWACO as we try to reduce the disposal of unwanted furniture by turning empty houses into homes of hope for families in need," Votaw said. "With the help of SWACO, we will pick up close to 18,000 pieces of furniture for our mission. It is partnerships like this that are making a true difference in our community.”

Donating furniture and other household goods is such a simple way to reduce waste. The Furniture Bank offers Franklin County residents free, convenient pick-up of sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, mattresses (free of stains and tears) and most appliances.

“We recently had The Furniture Bank pick-up some kitchen appliances at our home and my husband and I were thrilled with the team’s professionalism. From scheduling to pick-up, it really was an easy process and we felt great about being able to share these good-condition appliances with another family who might need them,” said Hanna Greer-Brown, SWACO’s communication manager and Franklin County resident.

Visit furniturebankcoh.org  or call 614-545-3838 to learn more.