Furnish Homes With Hope

For over 37 years, Bridging has been empowering people to thrive in their homes. Bridging’s volunteers collect quality used furniture and household goods to impact more than 13,000 people pursuing housing stability each year. Looking to spread their mission to a new community, Bridging is coming to New Prague in September to fill a 26′ truck with non-furniture goods. 

Collection events, like the one coming to Holy Trinity’s parking lot, are the backbone of Bridging’s mission. Diana Dalsin, Bridging’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, searches for communities to expand beyond the Twin Cities metro area. She was optimistic when contacted by New Prague Planner Kyra Chapman. “This event was spurred by the idea of having a furniture recycling hauler at our City Wide Clean Up Day. However, it transformed into hosting an independent event focused on donating quality non-furniture materials to families in need. To best advertise the event, the City wanted to partner with a community organization that closely aligns with Bridging’s mission, could accommodate Bridging’s parking needs, and provide marketing assistance. Holy Trinity checked all the boxes,” Kyra explains. She contacted Pastor Ben Hilding about a partnership with Holy Trinity. “This event not only fits with our value of Community but ties in with our Mission Outreach work,” Pastor Ben reports. Bridging’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Statement mirrors Holy Trinity’s and the ELCA’s, further solidifying the new partnership.

This is Bridging’s first event in New Prague, and Diana is hopeful.“We like to start small, by collecting non-furniture goods. People can meet our volunteers and learn more about the organization. Each week, 120 households are furnished with fifteen semi-truck loads of donated goods. We search for new communities to provide quality used household items for our clients. We are excited to come to New Prague!” she exclaims. Diana also explains that the volunteers are very particular and not afraid to say “no thank you” to less-than-desirable items. Check out Bridging’s Quality Standards.
  • Gently used and new items accepted.
  • Free of rips, stains, strong odors, and/or pet hair.
  • All items must be clean, fully functioning, and in good condition.
  • Not sure if you should donate an item? Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable giving it to a friend or family member.
  • All staff and volunteers have the right to refuse items that do not meet Bridging’s quality standard.
  • Please see the complete list of accepted items here. If an item is not on this list, Bridging volunteers will not accept it. 
Kyra adds, “Unlike the City Wide Clean Up Day, anyone may participate in the Bridging donation event, no matter their residence. All accepted materials will support people transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. Hopefully, this can become a recurring event that will include furniture collection in the future.”
 
Written by Karen Taylor, Communications Manager
August 23, 2024

You Can Help!

Bridging empowers people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability. 
Learn more at www.bridging.org
 
Saturday, September 28
9 – 11 am
Holy Trinity Parking Lot
 
What to donate:
  • Gently used and new items accepted
  • Free of rips, stains, strong odors, and/or pet hair
  • Not sure if you should donate an item? Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable giving it to a friend or family member
  • If an item is not on the list below, Bridging does not accept it.

Accepted Non-Furniture Items:

LINENS, KITCHEN and BATH ESSENTIALS: (full sets not required)
  • Bakeware: casseroles, loaf and muffin pans, pie plates, rectangular, pizza pans, and cookie sheets.
  • Bathroom: shower curtains, bath mats, soap dish, wastebaskets, and toothbrush holders
  • Bed linens: pillowcases, flat and fitted sheets, and mattress pads (no mattress toppers)
  • Blankets, comforters, bedspreads: all sizes
  • Colanders and strainers
  • Cookware: all sizes, pots and pans
  • Dishes: plates, bowls, cups, serving pieces, butter dish, and salt/pepper shakers (no china sets)
  • Glassware: all sizes, drinking, and stemware
  • Hangers: plastic, wood, and felted
  • Knives, cutting boards and knife blocks
  • Laundry baskets and bags
  • Napkin, utensil and paper towel holders
  • Pillows: sleeping (stain free)
  • Platters and serving trays
  • Rugs: 8’ (h) x 10’ (w) or smaller
  • Silverware: forks, spoons, knives, serving pieces
  • Storage containers: bins, baskets, canisters
  • Table linens: placemats, tablecloths, and napkins
  • Tea kettles, thermoses, travel mugs
  • Towels: kitchen and bath (wash, hand and bath)
  • Utensils (serving): spatulas, can openers, mixing spoons, whisks, peelers, tongs, scissors, and slicers
  • Wastebaskets and trash cans (indoor only)
SMALL APPLIANCES and ELECTRONICS
  • Blenders, crockpots, food processors, and mixers
  • Clocks: alarm and wall
  • Coffeemakers
  • Fans: box, window and floor (no ceiling fixtures)
  • Hairdryers, curling irons, and flat iron
  • Heaters: small and electric
  • Irons and ironing boards
  • Lamps: floor and table (no fixtures)
  • Microwaves (counter tops only)
  • Radios (portable)
  • Specialty appliances: electric griddles, woks, fry pans, panini press/grills, and rice steamers
  • Toasters and toaster ovens
  • TVs and remotes: 55” or smaller, freestanding, flat-panel TVs
  • Vacuums (no wet/steam)