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By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Hudson – Fresh Start Furniture Bank of Hudson, a volunteer-run charity that provides furniture and other household items people in need, is reaching out to residents in the area for donations. They are seeking sofas, dressers, upholstered chairs, end tables, microwave ovens, floor lamps, blankets, comforters, silverware, and bath towels, among many other items.
The organization helped 328 families in 2016, according to volunteer Laura Booth, and they are hoping to serve many more deserving residents this year. Their mission is to help restore hope, dignity and stability to individuals and families who are in transition and who need help to rebuild their lives. They include victims of fires or floods, women and children escaping abusive domestic situations, people leaving shelters or halfway houses, war veterans, and individuals and families in recovery from physical or mental illness.
The agency is also looking for volunteers to help assisting clients in the store – sorting donations, picking up items with the transport team, returning calls to donors, and running or assisting with fund-raising drives. Any number of hours of service that can be given is most welcome.
Interested residents can also help by donating funds which are needed to help with major operating expenses, truck maintenance, rent, insurance and utilities. All checks may be made payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank, mailed directly to 34 Tower Street, Unit E, Hudson, MA 01749. All donations are tax deductible.
Anyone able to donate a large piece of furniture may call 508-485-2080 to determine when a volunteer with a truck may be in that area making a pick up. Visit the group’s website: www.FreshStartFurnitureBank.org for a complete list of items needed. Store hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The entrance and parking are located behind the building.
Among participating groups currently referring clients are Grace Baptist Church of Hudson, Advocates, Bay Path Elder Services, Roland’s House (Marlborough-Hudson homeless shelter), the Recovery Connection, Marlborough Council on Aging, Marlborough Veterans Services, Willis House Family Shelter in Hudson, the Marlborough Board of Health and the Hudson Senior Center.
