WILMINGTON — Over the next two weekends local developer Livian Jones and interior designer Hooper Patterson, founders of nonprofits Furniture Finders and House of Provision, respectively, will combine resources and volunteers to host a furniture drop-off at the old Rose’s Department Store in Ogden. The tax-deductible donations will go towards refurnishing homes that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Florence.
In addition to furniture donations, both organizations are calling for box trucks, pickup trucks, and volunteers to come to 6832-4 Market St. in Ogden this Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m, as well as the same time next weekend.
Furniture Finder seeks new or gently used furniture, mattresses, and bed frames while House of Provision, a new initiative, seeks furniture, art, lamps, rugs, decorative accessories, and children’s books and toys.
After the two organizations collect furniture over the coming two weekends, they will then begin focusing on distributing the donations to those in need.
Jones, a general contractor who had worked on the RiverLights community for four years and headed up The Avenue development this past year, said the idea came when volunteering for a Convoy of Hope distribution center delivering water, food, and hygiene products to those affected by Florence.
“There’s just a large need out there, and it crosses all spectrums,” Jones said. “And I think the need is going to increase over the next couple of months as people’s houses get repaired.”
According to a release, within 48 hours of announcing the effort, House of Provisions generated more than 200 members and hundreds of requests to volunteer.
“I have received mattresses and furniture, while Hooper has received donations from Home Again, a local furniture consignment store, and dozens of families eager to help,” Jones said. “We are thrilled that we can work together to help possibly hundreds of families who lost so much from Hurricane Florence.”
When they shift towards distribution in two weeks, the groups will begin distribution through personal referrals, public agencies, non-profits, and social networks after identifying families and individuals who lost their homes or furnishings in the storm.
After an interview to determine their needs, each recipient will go to the warehouse and identify top priority items for their temporary or replacement home.
“So many in our design community have come forward, aware that a home full of donated items can still come together to create a sense of welcome and comfort,” Patterson. “We’re not just replacing, we’re re-creating a sense of home.”
People who wish to volunteer or donate can visit House of Provision or Furniture Finders on Facebook for updated information on specific needs and hours of operation.
On Facebook, Patterson called for help unloading furniture and sorting and styling furniture, accessories, kitchenware, and linens.
Over the next week, Jones said she will be connecting with the Harrelson Center, United Way, and the Department of Social Security to inform people and collaborate with other agencies.
For volunteers who will be moving furniture, Jones has one request: “Lift with your legs.”
Furniture Finder is located at 6832-4 Market St. in Ogden. The operation will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on four days: Saturday, Oct. 13, Sunday, Oct. 14, Saturday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 21.
