by Rick Bender
Mission of The Blessing Board: The Blessing Board is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization existing to provide donated household furnishings to those in need at no cost in response to what God has done for us.
I'm sure everyone at Hebron is now familiar with The Blessing Board (TBB), since it started here at Hebron about 10 years ago. During these last 10 years, TBB has helped 8,573 families during some difficult times in their lives. Situations such as fires, job loss, leaving abusive relationships, and just plain poverty are some of the reasons people have come to TBB for help. When those in need come to TBB they are expecting to go home with a truck full of furniture to help with their physical lives; but they receive so much more. They get individual attention from caring volunteers who share the love of Jesus Christ, pray with them, and give them a New Testament Bible - all designed to give them some hope for their spiritual lives.
The Blessing Board also provides a great avenue for those who are looking for a place to dispose of their unwanted furniture in a responsible manner, instead of it being put into a landfill. In fact, some of the volunteers will take furniture that has been put out on garbage day and bring it down to TBB for it to be reused. That's right. We have some very serious volunteers. You can arrange for a pickup for a small fee by going to their website or you may drop off your items M-F from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
This year many people, businesses, and non-profits have been hard hit by the arrival of COVID-19 and The Blessing Board is no exception. TBB has encountered a significant reduction in financial donations, including the cancellation of several major fundraisers due to the pandemic.
But since we serve a merciful and gracious God, He often will close one door only to let another door be opened. To fill in this year’s funding gap, TBB will be participating in Giving Tuesday on December 1st. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This year, to take advantage of Giving Tuesday, consider donating, volunteering, visiting the Vintage Market (TBB’s retail store), or just come on down to 140 Pennsylvania Avenue in Oakmont and take a peek at what's going on.
For information on Giving Tuesday, volunteering, donating furniture, or making an appointment, visit www.TheBlessingBoard.org.
