The power of social media is pretty amazing sometimes, especially when it comes to getting a group of people to come together for the greater good. A couple of weeks ago, I was tagged in a GoFundMe story by a friend of mine. It was about a sweet little lady named Evelyn, who at 79-years-old, lost her sweetheart and is now faced with moving to a new place, and starting her life over. She has very few personal belongings and really no family or friends to speak of. Luckily for her, while grabbing a bite to eat, Sean Lee came into her life and decided to help! Sean started the GoFundMe page to seek donations of furniture, funds, etc to help Ms. Evelyn with starting over. The story was shared over 300 times and that is how my involvement in this fundraiser started!
You can see the original story here:
Sean has taken the lead and spent a number of hours visiting with Ms. Evelyn, listening to her stories and assisting her with finding a new place to live. After much research, he found Vintage Hills in Northwest Reno.
Since we help make houses into homes on a daily basis, I told Sean that we would be willing to coordinate the furniture donations and use what was donated to create a lovely home for Ms. Evelyn.
We need your help... Right now we are seeking donations of new or gently used goods to furnish Ms. Evelyn's place. Here is a list of the items we are looking for:
Bedroom:
Full-size bed frame
Full mattress (new)
Small matching nightstands (2)
Small matching lamps (2)
Full size mattress pad (new)
Full size sheets (new)
Standard pillows (2)
Full/Queen Comforter
Full/Queen Blanket
Artwork
Bathroom:
Towels
Bathroom rugs (preferably blue)
Soap dispenser
Non-slip tub mat
Toilet paper
Living Room:
Loveseat or small couch
Matching end tables (2)
Floor Lamp
Matching lamps (2)
Small coffee table
Small TV stand
Small flat screen TV
Dining Room:
Small round table with 2-4 chairs
Kitchen:
Small countertop microwave
Dishes (4-6)
Silverware set for 4-6
Glassware
Drawer organizers
Kitchen towels
Small set of pots and pans
General Supplies:
Cleaning supplies
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Sponges
Trash bags
Food Supplies:
Ensure
Non-perishable food
Senior Assistance Items:
Walker
Reach Assist Items
Bathroom Grips
Other Donations Accepted:
Monetary donations through GoFundMe account for an emergency fund
Manicure
Haircut/Style
Dinner certificate
Meal prep service
Whole Foods Gift Cards (She likes the salad bar there)
Floral arrangement with her favorite flowers
If you are interested in donating and you are in the Gardnerville area, you can drop items off at Eddy Street Vintage Market this weekend. If you are in the Reno area and you would like to donate, we currently have drop offs scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd from 10am-5pm at a warehouse near the airport or if you need items picked up, that can be arranged. Please contact me at 775-230-1101.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 24th, the Eddy Street Crew will be staging Ms. Evelyn's new apartment with the donated items.
Saturday, June 25th: we will be hosting an open market for the residents of Vintage Hills to come and pick from the surplus of donated items and supplies. Free haircuts will be offered for seniors as well that day.
Sunday, June 26th will be moving day for Ms. Evelyn and the big reveal of her new place. If you are interested in donating, please send a picture of the items you are willing to donate either via text to 775-230-1101 or email at eddystreetvintagemarket@gmail.com
Items donated but not used in Ms. Evelyn's place will be donated to other seniors in need and/or the Salvation Army in Reno and the Care Chest.
Other ways you can help:
We are seeking volunteers to assist with the public market, moving Ms. Evelyn out of her existing apartment, cleaning, etc.
Please contact me with any questions you have regarding volunteering or donating goods or services. Every little bit helps. Together we can make a big difference in this sweet little lady's life!