BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Bridging, a Twin Cities based nonprofit, is offering residents the chance to add some meaning to their annual spring cleaning chores.
"We need your stuff," said Bridging's Sara Sternberger.
A lower print sofa, they'll take it. Maybe it's a little more than slightly used, no problem. A truckload of hundreds of pillows, that's just about perfect.
The nonprofit has empty shelves at both of its locations and needs the public's help to fill them so they can help people like Tina Gatewood.
"Never been homeless before," said Gatewood.
Gatewood ran into a financial bind, lost her home, lived out of her car and Bridging has helped put her feet back on solid ground.
"Bridging was a miracle," smiled Gatewood.
They essentially helped her rebuild a home from scratch.
Tina was able to pick out a new sofa, dining room table, lamp, end tables, everything she needed and all of it was donated.
"What we say to people is bring in stuff that you would be willing to pass along to a friend or family member," explained Sternberger. "It's important that the stuff be gently used but still quality."
So, when that spring cleaning bug strikes, keep in mind what someone considers trash, another may consider a fresh start.
"They provided me with a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room, it was amazing," said Gatewood.
Bridging accepts living, dining and bedroom furniture as well as kitchen essentials and cookware. Smaller essentials like linens, bedding and towels are also accepted.
For a complete list, go to www.bridging.org.
Fee-based furniture pickups are also available and more information can be found on their website.
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