Group collects furniture, appliances for the poor

It’s the end of the year, and students all over campus are finding ways to get rid of unwanted furniture. Rather than throwing it away, some students are donating it to a good cause. This Saturday, St. Vincent de Paul, a faith-based charity, is opening a furniture distribution center, where students can donate furniture they no longer want to less-fortunate people.\nSt. Vincent de Paul originated in France and was brought to America in 1845, said Anne Pollard, a volunteer with the organization. Currently, the Bloomington chapter has 48 members but is always looking for anyone who wishes to volunteer, she said.\nScott Alber, president of the furniture conference, said the main services the organization provides are financial aid assistance and used furniture donations. Alber said that the organization is looking for usable appliances and furniture to donate to the poor. He even said the organization will pick up the furniture and distribute it. Pollard said the organization works in conjunction with all of the other agencies in Bloomington. She added that Bloomington is a wonderful community for volunteering because of the high levels of community support.\n“What makes us unique is that we do home visits; we go out in pairs to visit people asking for help,” Pollard said. \nPollard said the organization visits the less-fortunate to assess their needs. A voucher is given to those in need and goes toward appliances and furniture that can either be picked up or delivered. The organization offers financial assistance by helping with electric bills and rent as much as they can, Pollard said. \nThe organization also can refer clients to other agencies, depending on their needs. Pollard said collectively all of the agencies in Bloomington are able to help. One of the St. Vincent’s main goals is to make people aware of its mission, she said. \nAlber said St. Vincent’s has been growing each year and it’s now in demand for furniture, especially dressers, beds and couches. However, the organization will take any furniture offered provided in fairly good condition. Appliances are also appreciated, he added. \n“The obvious benefit of donating is to do good for the community,” Alber said. “It also saves (students) the burden of having to move it.” \nAlber added that some families have absolutely nothing, so anything they can receive is truly wonderful.\n“I do think I would donate to it because I think it’s a good cause as opposed to just throwing the furniture out,” said sophomore Kyla King.\nFor those students sticking around for the summer, the organization is always looking for volunteers who can lift furniture and help out in any way. Saturday mornings, the organization helps an average of 20 families by picking up and dropping off furniture. Alber said volunteers would start at 9 a.m. and be done by 10:30 a.m. \nThose wishing to donate or volunteer can call 961-1510 or e-mail pickup@bloomingtonsvdp.org .