When Maryjo Welch discussed plans for retirement with a friend, she had no idea their conversation would lead to helping more than 1,700 people furnish their homes.
Her nonprofit, Interfaith Furnishings, supplies furniture to Morris County neighbors in need. It started in 2004, after Welch shared the idea with her church to connect those with extra furniture to individuals who might need the items.
Social workers connect the organization to people who are moving into apartments and homes. Interfaith Furnishings plays interior designer, carefully selecting furniture that works well together based on the person’s needs and tastes, adding in rugs and lamps to make a space feel more like home. Welch says “the most important thing is to see people happy and with a home.”
Interfaith Furnishings’ work is made possible through donations and volunteers. “We always need volunteers. Always,” she says.
For the past 20 years, their moving crew has delivered furniture to homes and apartments on the third Saturday of each month. Welch, 85, previously drove the delivery trucks.
At the end of each moving day, volunteers feel grateful to know they have brought someone in need a soft light to illuminate their room, a rug beneath their feet, and a place to rest their head, says Welch.
To donate furniture, fill out a form at interfaithfurnishings.org.
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