Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘Upcycle, not recycle’
Community Warehouse Project of Chester County celebrates first anniversary
Community Warehouse Project of Chester County is celebrating its first anniversary, while successfully supplying about 150 families with more than 1,100 pieces of furniture during the past year.
The organization keeps families from sleeping on the floor and seated in comfy chairs.
The grassroots, volunteer-driven organization stores furniture in a Downingtown warehouse space donated by Eli Kahn and Adam Loew. Community members stop by and “shop” at no charge.
“We service people who have recently moved into new housing and they can come here to make those walls feel like home,” volunteer Lise Cherna said.
Executive Director Glenda Brion said the organization “makes a house into a home.”
“We upcycle, not recycle,” Penny LeBuffe said.
Brion: “The furniture is being used in someone’s home for a better purpose.”
The group connects through about 30 service agencies and works directly with case workers.
Board member John Lilley said that furniture has been “flying in and out” of the warehouse “like crazy.”
Lilley said the Community Warehouse Project furnishes pots and pans for those in a new living situation, which “makes a huge impact on the next step of their lives.
“We all have too much stuff we don’t need,” he said.
Realtor groups, assisted living centers and hotels are all encouraged to donate.
“And we’ll make sure it gets to someone in the community without cash,” Cherna said.
Volunteers seek quality and gently used furniture. The warehouse has an urgent need for beds, dressers, sofas, chairs, kitchen tables, end tables and household supplies, but no clothing.
LeBuffe said she has never been hugged so much in her life.
“The people who come and make selections are very appreciative,” she said.
The Friars Society of West Chester University and the Rotary Club of West Chester are big supporters and the warehouse seeks volunteers.
William S. Latoff Charitable Foundation helps pay for insurance, transportation and a shortage of beds.
“We’re buying beds, we can’t seem to keep up with the demand,” Brion said. For a $170 donation, the organization can purchase a bed for a new resident.
The warehouse is open on the third Saturday of the month, by appointment only. Go to the website at www.communitywarehouseproject.com to set up a time to donate and for full instructions.
It is best to send a photo of goods designated for donation.
The Community Warehouse Project is a 501(c)3 charity and donations are fully tax deductible.