Banking for Beds to provide affordable furnishings

SMITHFIELD – Navigant Credit Union and the Furniture Bank of Rhode Island are making it easier for Rhode Islanders to furnish their homes comfortably through the Banking for Beds program.
The credit union is selling symbolic “beds” at each of the 13 branches in its network, with all proceeds benefiting the furniture bank. Twin-sized bed placards cost $1, queen-sized cost $5 and king-sized cost $10.
“There are people all across our state who struggle to afford the furnishings they need,” said Navigant President and CEO Gary Furtado. “We’re excited to spread the word and lend our support to the Furniture Bank of Rhode Island and its efforts to improve the quality of life for needy Rhode Islanders.”
Tim Draper, vice president of marketing, said credit union officials began networking with furniture bank officials and realized “it’s one of those organizations that should get a little exposure.”
“What struck us about the furniture bank is, it does a lot of the same stuff the food bank does but the food bank has a lot of notoriety,” Draper said. “Nobody really knows much about the furniture bank.”
Located at 20 River Ave. in Providence, the furniture bank solicits donations of quality furniture and household items. These items are passed on to qualified individuals and families who have been referred to the Furniture Bank by a member network of more than 85 social service agencies.
“It’s our mission to make houses into homes,” said Mary Landreville, executive director of the Furniture Bank. “We see so many people who struggle to get a good night’s rest or to sit comfortably after a hard day’s work. We are grateful to Navigant Credit Union for recognizing these basic needs and their help for those who are least able to afford it.”
Navigant Credit Union is Rhode Island’s oldest credit union, with more than $1.4 billion in assets, more than 62,000 members and 13 branches.

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