Nancy Hastings, Staff Writer
With a focus of strengthening relationships within Hillsdale County, a nonprofit committee has identified a need for a furniture bank that can provide furniture free of charge to any county resident in need.

The Hillsdale County Family to Family/Building Community Partnerships Committee, operating under the direction of the Department of Human Services, seeks to serve high–risk families in Hillsdale County and promote better lives for children involved in the child welfare system.


Family to Family Facilitator Kelly Koteles said a site in Hillsdale has been offered as a storage space for the furniture bank.

“Our first objective is to create a stock of furniture and appliances as well as possible volunteers who can assist in transporting donated items to the storage site or to the recipient of furniture,” Koteles said. “Once the storage facility is fully stocked, we will be contacting area churches and social service agencies with information regarding how to access furniture on behalf of the individuals and families served in Hillsdale County.”

Koteles said the committee is in need of gently used furniture (couches, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames) and working stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers.

“We are unable to accept mattresses, cribs or infant car seats,” she added.

Those who have items to donate can contact Scott Walker at Key Opportunities, Inc. at (517) 437–4469 to arrange a time to drop off items. Charitable donation receipts will be available upon request.

Walker, a member of the committee, said a number of people from various agencies and churches in the area comprise the committee intent on helping those in need.

“We’re trying to fill in the gaps needed by people who are down on their luck,” Walker said.

Koteles heads the committee which has been working on the idea of a furniture bank since the committee was introduced in January. It became apparent when meeting with DHS staff and others that there was a need for furniture among families, she said.

“The generous donation of furniture and appliances by community members will provide direct and immediate support to individuals and families in need here in Hillsdale County,” Koteles said. “The bottom line given by the state budget is crucial and agencies are feeling the pinch. If we can meet this need, then available money could be used for other areas, like housing.”

Koteles added that the committee is searching some control mechanism that would be most effective.

“We feel it would be better for clients to approach agencies or churches that would in turn contact Key to make arrangements,” Koteles said. “If they are not involved with a church, then they could contact DHS or CAA and get support via a contact.”

For more information, contact secretary Dawn Harmon at the Hillsdale Department of Human Services at (517) 439–2233.
This story was last modified: Wednesday, June 6, 2014