Archive: December, 2014
The Joy of Giving
What a joy it was to be a volunteer greeter at the HopeNow Furniture Bank warehouse yesterday! Although our inventory was extremely low, in just 3 hours we were able to service 6 clients while we also received donations from 3-4 more and helped several load furniture chosen at an earlier appointment. The most rewarding aspect though was being able to work with one of our social service agencies to help two very needy clients. The first was a woman who had been a teacher in Knox County. Because of very difficult circumstances in her life, she had turned to substance abuse to ease the pain, but eventually it was the cause of her losing her job. This woman has been living in her car in parking lots for two years! How gratifying it was, now that she had finally come to terms with her situation and connected with a social service agency, to be able to walk through our warehouse with her and help her find furnishings for her new apartment. The caseworker told me that though the apartment was currently empty, she was “as happy as a clam” to be in her own place and to curl up on the floor. We were able to give her a bed and linens for it, a vanity, a nice couch and comfy chair, kitchen table and chairs, end tables and a beautiful lamp. She also chose some dishes and necessary kitchen items. She was so excited, happy and very thankful!
The second client this caseworker assisted was a man who had also been homeless. He was now able to choose pieces to make his new apartment a place of comfort. It was fun to watch him match up pieces that he would enjoy having in his new home. Although the donated furniture was not new, it was still in good condition and would be very useful to him. How wonderful to see these second-hand pieces given new life and giving new life!
When a person is so obviously in need and is helped to get their life back in order, it is an esteem and confidence building experience for them. They recognize that they have an opportunity for a new and different life. Being a part of that change is such a rewarding experience! It’s what Christmas is all about! I am glad to be a volunteer with HopeNow Furniture Bank of Knox County.
