"The Furniture Ministry of Evangelical United Methodist Church (EUMC) was born out of our church wanting to do more," said Nicki Martin, who oversees the ministry with her husband, Chad. As office manager at CrossNet Ministries in New Holland, Nicki knew how often calls came from those wishing to donate furniture. She also knew that the organization did not have the storage area necessary to accept those donations.
"I would take a message and ask our social services team if there was a need, and then we would try to connect (the donor and the recipient) directly," said Nicki.
At EUMC, Nicki and Chad and a few others wanted to help the ELANCO community by partnering with CrossNet. "I met with our social services team in 2019," recalled Nicki, who offered the storage space and help to create a furniture bank.
"Everything is in partnership with CrossNet," said Nicki, who continues to handle the donor calls and to funnel the requests for furniture to social services. "Chad and I and vounteers will pick (pieces of furniture) up and bring them (to the storage area)," she said. Items are held in storage until a member of CrossNet social services learns of someone in need. "They will say, 'Nicki, do you have a recliner?' and I say, 'Yes, here's what we have,'" said Nicki, who added that she keeps a Google document of the current stock to refer to. "We do the delivery, too," said Nicki. "It takes the burden of that off CrossNet." During 2020, the new ministry placed up to 60 pieces in area homes.
The Martins and others involved in the ministry quickly learned which are the best items to accept. "We don't take sleeper sofas and not full-size sofas unless they are in very gently used condition," said Nicki, who noted that often recipients do not have room for a full-size sofa and prefer to avoid futons. Cribs and changing tables are accepted. Chad noted that sectionals do not usually work well, but recliners are often useful for those recovering from surgery. "Sectionals are way too big, and (we don't accept) king-size beds because they would take up the whole room," he said. Only new mattresses are supplied with beds, so used mattresses are not accepted. "We stay away from electronics," added Chad.
Nicki noted that kitchen tables and chairs are preferred over dining room sets because of size, as well. Bedside and coffee tables are accepted, as are dressers. Nicki pointed out that upright dressers are best because they take up less space. She added that all items should be in good condition. "No rips, holes, or stains," she said.
Currently, the couple oversees pickups and deliveries and recruits help as needed. "We need volunteers with muscle, trucks, and trailers," said Nicki.
Those wishing to help or to donate furniture or who are in need of furniture may call CrossNet at 717-355-2454.
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