Our yearly Switch Up campaign collected over 300 pieces that were donated and given to Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts.

What if instead of throwing it away, we donate it? Every year Didriks and Local Root host Switch Up, a kitchen and dinnerware exchange. For one month out of the year, customers have the opportunity to trade in gently used items for 15% off. These items are given to Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts (FHMA), a Cambridge-based non-profit.

Furnishing Hope is not your regular furniture bank. FHMA provides furniture, home goods, moving and set up services to underserved families. A third of Boston-area families who transition from shelters live in nearly empty apartments many months to over a year later. This can have serious effects on a family trying to rebuild.

Clinical Psychologist and founder Suzy Palitz describes how “a comfortable and safe home can have a huge impact on a family’s dignity, stabilization, self-esteem, as they work to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness”. For this reason, FHMA provides added services and helps families from start to finish. To date, FHMA has served over 300 families.

This year’s campaign was a success with over 300 pieces being donated, including plates, bowls, flatware, and kitchen linens. Items are arranged into home starter-kits for different family sizes and delivered to the family on move-in day.

We appreciate the participation and enthusiasm of our customers every year and their contribution to helping furnish hope.