Fundraising, charitable donations aim to ease the suffering of storm victims in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and other areas
HIGH POINT — More furniture industry resources are coming to the aid of those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Florida, North Carolina and other parts of the Eastern Seaboard.
For example, Ashley’s Hope to Dream initiative raised enough money through an Oct. 6 golf fundraising event in St. Petersburg to donate more than 300 beds to children in need in Florida affected by Hurricane Helene. Each bed set, to be distributed by charity partners, includes a twin mattress, bed frame, bedding and pillow.
The organizers said this “achievement exceeded expectations and demonstrated the power of community coming together for a cause.”
“We are deeply committed to supporting the children affected by the recent hurricane,” said Chris Wantlin, Hope to Dream board member and Ashley chief retail officer. “We are collaborating with our partner charities to pinpoint the areas where children are in the most urgent need of beds, especially those affected by Hurricane Helene. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives during this challenging period.”
Founded in 2010, Hope to Dream has had a mission of making sure every child in need has a good night’s sleep by them providing bed frames, mattresses and other bedding supplies. A portion of the sale of every mattress purchased at participating Ashley stores helps the group achieve this goal.
“We are saddened by the recent catastrophe that has impacted thousands of families, leaving many without homes,” said Ruthie Bautista, Hope to Dream vice president. “These bed donations will provide a sense of comfort and security, allowing the healing process to begin for many. Rebuilding and starting the recovery process will take time, but together, we can help these children find solace and support during this difficult time.”
Full-line furniture resource Bernards Furniture Group, in partnership with Peak Furniture & Design, has donated 100 beds to ALG Senior in its efforts to move elderly residents out of western North Carolina locations that were decimated by the hurricane. Bernards’ contract division has worked with Peak Furniture & Design and AGL in recent years to help decorate and furnish senior living and assisted care facilities in North and South Carolina.
“When our partners reached out to inquire about pricing for twin beds to assist with the relocation of displaced seniors throughout Western North Carolina due to hurricane Helene, there could only be one answer: How many do you need, and the cost is zero,” said Micah Swick, president of Bernards. “Within hours, we were loading beds into trucks en route to Western North Carolina.”
Swick added that as the cleanup and rebuilding gets underway, “we are also exploring ways to assist WNC and Eastern Tennessee families with refurnishing their homes, whether through retailer partnerships or more creative efforts.”
Others too are helping those in need in areas impacted by the storm. For example, Naples, Florida-based International Design Source is organizing a collection drive “to support the people of North Carolina who have been affected by this devastating storm. Every donation, no matter how large or small, can make a tangible difference in rebuilding lives.”
The interior design firm is collection items at its Naples and Sarasota, Florida, locations including hygiene products, toiletries, diapers, rash cream, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and sanitized wipes. In addition, it is collecting non-perishable food, paper towels, toilet paper, blankets, contractor-size trash bags, baby clothes, flashlights, batteries and first aid supplies to name several key items. It is accepting the donations through Oct. 16 with a goal of having them delivered by Oct. 21.
From its locations in Florida it is delivering the items to its warehouse in Hickory, North Carolina. Brooks Furniture Xpress is handling the logistics.
“As interior design professionals, we understand that creating a space that feels like home is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about comfort, safety, and belonging,” said Emilio Sadez, owner. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many in North Carolina have lost not only their homes but also that essential sense of security and peace that we all strive to provide through our work.”
And Sherrill Furniture is donating $200,000 or 5% of gross sales, whichever is greater, from all orders placed at the Oct. 26-30 High Point Market. This is in addition to funds that the company has made to benefit disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina.
The company said that the “donation is structured to provide critical support it is most urgently needed. Sherrill’s commitment comes in response to devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the enormous challenges faced by these communities, ensuring assistance is provided to meet high-priority needs.”
“Our roots are in these communities. Our neighbors, our friends and our furniture family are here, and we want to help them in a meaningful way,” said Charles Sherrill, chief executive officer and owner of Sherrill Furniture Co. “Our people have always been the heart of this company, and we want them to know we are here for them — during the good times and the tough times. This donation is our way of saying, ‘We stand with you.’ We believe that by supporting local organizations directly, they can respond swiftly and efficiently to the most pressing needs on the ground.”