Furniture Mission expands, helps flood victims in SD, IA & MN

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A local nonprofit is increasing its scope to help families devastated by flooding.

There are so many people in the area who have lost everything that makes their house a home because of flooding and the Furniture Mission is expanding to help.

There’s something special about living in this part of the world.

“We have that Midwest nice, always wanting to help out and be a helping hand to those that are in need,” said Executive Director and CEO Janean Michalove.

The Furniture Mission is reaching beyond its South Dakota service area and Michalove said their team decided to include more who are starting over.

“All of northwest Iowa and parts of Minnesota for families who have lost everything by flooding,” Michalove said.

If you have extra furniture, this could be the time to share.

“Donating couches, beds. Any household furniture items are always needed. Coffee tables and end tables and lamps, pots and pans and dishes and silverware,” Michalove said.

A Furniture Mission truck can pick up what you don’t need and deliver items to those who do.

Eighty-eight-year-old volunteer Dale Thorpe sees the whole team as a caring group.

“People here are super nice. They’re special and they’re my friends I’ve been doing it; I’m in my fourth year,” Thorpe explained.

On the deliveries, Thorpe sees the gratitude of those receiving furniture. He recalled a man who requested items for his kids and pregnant wife. On delivery day, Thorpe realized the man’s call to the Furniture Mission was among the last calls of his life.

While many fundraisers are underway, the established local non-profits are ensuring donations get to the right place.

“Trusting a nonprofit to step up to help you to decentralize those types of donations, on a great channel to make sure that we’re getting everybody what they need and getting everybody back to back in action,” Michalove said.

If you’re in need, you can contact 211 in South Dakota and they can connect you with help from the Furniture Mission and other local nonprofits in Sioux Falls.

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