The Love Seat Resale Store
The Love Seat is Love Columbia’s distribution point for basic essentials needed by our neighbors, and a place for anyone to shop to promote a better Columbia.
History:
Originally a temporary furniture bank for Hurricane Katrina evacuees in 2005, the Love Seat later became both a resale store and a furniture bank. We realized that people wanted to donate more than just furniture and that these donations could be sold to support Love Columbia programs. In 2011, a local donor helped us hire a store manager for the Love Seat and acquire some lease space. The Love Seat Resale Store was born!
The Love Seat Today:
Each year, over 3,000 Columbia donors give their unneeded furniture, clothing, and housewares to share with their neighbors and keep resources local. All donations are directly matched with a local need or sold to provide services to someone right here in Columbia. A bed can go to a child who is sleeping on the floor. A lamp can be sold to pay someone’s utility bill. A dress can land someone a job. Every gift lifts someone up.
The Love Seat broadens Love Columbia’s range of volunteer opportunities. Not everyone wants to teach budgeting or write a resume, but they may want to sort clothing, repair a table, or deliver furniture. Many current volunteers and donors’ first experience with Love Columbia was at the Love Seat!
The store has also provided “second chance” employment to over 100 people, and many have gone on to find higher paying jobs. One employee who recently transitioned said: “Getting my new job is bittersweet. I have worked at the Love Seat for two years. I have never worked in such a supportive atmosphere, and it changed my life.”
How Can You Get Involved?
The Love Seat offers a range of volunteer opportunities that you can read more about by clicking the button below!
