Finding ‘A Light of Hope’ in the furniture

New store donates $1,000 to charity that specializes in alcohol and substance abuse recovery programs

A new furniture store donated $1,000 to a charity that specializes in alcohol and substance abuse recovery programs for youth and adults.

Bob’s Furniture, which is opening a location where a Kmart stood for decades on the corner of Valencia Boulevard and Soledad Canyon Road, gave the donation to A Light of Hope, a nonprofit that was started by two parents seeking resources for their children.

“A lot of the money our organization takes in goes to providing youth and family services,” said Light of Hope founder Tim Traurig. “The support of local business has been huge. We could not do what we do without their support.”

Traurig said the donation is not the largest it has received, but is above the average donation range of $100 to $500.

Traurig said the organization serves about 1800 youth and 1400 parents in two weekly support groups. Traurig said the majority of services they provide are free to parents and families and the ones that are not free are provided at little cost. The youth groups often do a number of events together ranging everything from bowling to going to the movies to miniature golf, Traurig said.

Per the organization’s website, “A Light of Hope’s only requirements for participation are a willingness to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and a commitment to abstain from all alcohol, drugs and any other self-destructive actions or behaviors. Perfection is not a requirement, but commitment and willingness are essential.”

The organization also sponsors the annual Be the Light 5K each fall at West Creek Park. Traurig said this year’s event will take place Sept. 29.

“A Light of Hope functions on an all-volunteer staff,” he said. “It’s really been a community partnership.”

For details on A Light of Hope, call (661) 513-HEAL.