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| By Lori O' Brien Correspondent HOLYOKE For area residents in need of last-minute furniture to fill a dorm room or perhaps to finish off a room, St. Jude's Used Furniture and Furnishing Store may have something of interest to suit one's tastes. During a recent visit to the store at 51 Hamilton St., store manager Mary Jane Dupont said that good usable furniture is always available and all proceeds raised go back into programs that are administered by Providence Ministries for the Needy (PMN). "Our motto is if it's not good enough to hand down to a family member we most likely cannot use it," said Dupont. Located in the basement of the PMN offices, two rooms are overflowing with living room furniture, dining room sets, assorted end tables, lamps and televisions. In addition, a variety of artwork, mirrors and small appliances also dominate the inventory that is constantly turning over. The store has been operating for eight years and originally opened on Main Street. Store hours are by appointment only during the week. "We have a variety of items that are affordable for someone who is just starting out or for the person looking for that special item," added Dupont. In addition to larger pieces of furniture, one can find rocking chairs, pots and pans, an assortment of baskets and sometimes even antiques. "We are always in need of bedroom sets and bureaus," said Dupont. Area residents interested in donating furniture and furnishings should first call Dupont who will have several questions to ask. If she feels confident about the potential donations, one of the PMN staff members will look at the prospects to make sure it is up to the required standards. Dupont advises against donating one's tag sale items that didn't sell as well as anything ripped, torn, broken or stained. "If we can't use it we won't take it," she added. Prices range from $5 for lamps and small appliances to $20 and higher for larger pieces of furniture. Dupont said she regularly visits secondhand stores to price out items to ensure that her prices are in line with the market. "All proceeds go back into PMN's programs to continue helping those in need," said Dupont. "It's another way the community can help others." PMN oversees several programs in the city that assists the community including Kate's Kitchen that serves a hot lunch every day of the year, Margaret's Pantry that provides nonperishable food to in-need residents, and the Broderick House which provides 24-hour emergency transitional housing for homeless intact families. In addition, PMN sponsors the Loreto House for homeless men, and Kate's Bread Program that provides bread at 2 p.m. daily upon availability. Clothing and small household items are also sold for a nominal fee to anyone in need at the St. Jude's Clothing Center. Donations of furniture and furnishings are tax-deductible and individuals receive a donation form and a thank-you letter for tax purposes. Delivery and pick-up service is available in the Greater Holyoke area. For more information on the store, to make an appointment, or to donate items, contact Dupont weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (413) 536-9109. |