I am a volunteer fundraiser. I have been doing this for 11 years. It is a pleasure and privilege to tell the story of our charitable mission. We have an exceptional management team, albeit very small for the impact Sharing Connections makes. We have dozens of volunteers that are the unpaid heroes. Because of our volunteer driven model, our efficiency rate is always above 90%. The stewardship of resources is outstanding.
Our board is exceptional. For instance , they have built up reserves for any contingency that may occur. Very financially responsible so as to be sustainable.
Our Founder is still involved as our Inspirational Leader. Her fundraising speeches bring audiences to tears. Her focus is so heartfelt and sincere.
Bottom line: Great organization.
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Been volunteering at Sharing Connections for about 9 years. I am so proud to be a small part of its mission. It has been doing “ good works” for over thirty years. I am a Vietnam era veteran and as such I feel for my comrades of that time and since who have ptsd and other ailments. Many of our clients are veterans and some are exiting shelters. In these cases they need furniture and household goods to furnish an apartment. That’s where we play a big part in making their lives better. Abused women & their families are another important client segment. S. C.’s is an important part of the charity efforts in the Chicagoland area.
I have now volunteered at Sharing Connections for 4 years. I am proud to volunteer for this fine organization and believe it is very worthy of my time and contributions. They continue to provide hope to our clients who need a helping hand. I enjoy working with the caring and compassionate staff and volunteers. I have seen the appreciation from our clients who receive the gently used furniture, home goods, clothing, etc. that have been donated from kind people from the community. I would recommend your consideration of Sharing Connections if you wish to volunteer and/or make material and financial donations.
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I have volunteered for 3 years at Sharing Connections. I work in both the Client Care and Sorting/Donations assignments. My duties include accepting material donations, sorting and preparing them for clients; and working directly with our clients to assist them in selecting their furniture, lamps, appliances, other household items and clothing. I have been touched to see the appreciation and gratitude expressed by our clients when they have received their items. Sharing Connections includes
very dedicated management, staff and volunteers. I have witnessed the assistance, kindness and respect that this organization provides to our clients. Also, I would highly recommend Sharing Connections to anyone who needs assistance. I believe this is a very worthy organization to both volunteer at and donate both material and financial assistance. I am proud and happy to be a part of this mission.
Sharing Connections is awesome to volunteer for! I needed hours for my Boy Scout Troop, and invited some other scouts to join me. We still volunteer when we can even though we are done with our required hours.
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Sharing Connections provides furniture, bedding, household items and more importantly hope to those trying to establish a home. No judgement as to why or how they are in a particular situation but very happy to provide the necessary items for a home. I have volunteered there for years and am very proud of the work everyone at SC has done.
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I have been a greeter/sorter/client aide at Sharing Connections for 16 years. During that time the organization has expanded their facilities in order to make room for more furniture to help serve numerous people in need. The system for client appointments has changed and improved over the years to streamline the process. It seems like each year more people are in difficult housing situations and Sharing Connections has been able to continue to provide them beds, furniture, dishes, etc. It is quite rewarding to have the opportunity to be a part of such a giving and sharing environment. The clients are very grateful often beyond words. As they say good-bye and thank you numerous times I always respond with a hug and tell them I was glad we were able to be there for them. The success of Sharing Connections relies on agency partnerships, generous donors, and numerous volunteers. It is truly a team effort as "Together We Furnish Hope."
Debbie E.
Sharing Connections shares good things with good people! Wonderful organization that helps people who need it the most.
Sharing Connections is a great local Downers Grove charity that takes used furniture and furnishings. I donated some household items and it felt good knowing they were going to a good home in need! They do not sell anything, it's all given to low income individuals/families who do not have the financial means to furnish their home.
Sharing Connections changes lives every day! While most of us don't think day to day of the importance of being able to eat at a table and sleep in a bed (because we just have that as a norm), when the community comes together and provides Sharing Connections with these needed items, it transforms the space of people in crisis. Since 1986 SC has taken this mission to heart and it shows with each life touched.
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For most people, after dedicating 17 years of your life to a mission and vision, you look to new challenges. For myself, what Sharing Connections provides to families in crisis is such a rewarding experience I cannot see myself anywhere else! The gift of furnishing hope not only impacts the families - it really makes a difference to all those who volunteer, work or donate to make it all possible. Sharing Connections has been doing this since 1986 and it's an honor to play a small role in the mission today and for many years to come.
I volunteer here several times a week and the people are great and doing wonderful work. We help the less fortunate with furniture, clothing and other gently used household items. I would highly recommend Sharing Connection to someone looking to volunteer, someone who has something to donate or to someone who needs help.
Sharing Connections is an amazing organization that provides household items, cribs, and beds to our neighbors in need!!
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Read moreVolunteering at Sharing Connections in various ways over the past 16 years has helped to enrich my personal life in so many ways. Working side by side with the Wednesday crew is so rewarding. Most of us have been together for many years and we all care about helping to provide a hand up to those in our communities who are currently needing some assistance. The tasks of sorting and putting away the wide variety of items our generous donors provide assist us to help provide a wide variety of household, personal, miscellaneous, knick knacks, pictures and furniture that our guests need. Guests enter a bit apprehensively and leave smiling as they load their selections on their truck/car/etc. and then see the items that the volunteers have carefully packed to assist them. Our generous donors provide bedding, clothing, baby items, clothing of all sizes (adult, teen, baby), dishes, miscellaneous kitchens items, linens, towels, lamps, tables, chairs, knick knacks, pictures, personal care, cleaning supplies and many more categories of goods. It is rewarding to interact with the donors. the guests. the staff and other volunteers. Over the years my volunteering has taken a new way - I moved and can not get to the warehouse every week. Shoot for once a month on Wednesday (to be with the others I have had the privilege of working with for many years and to meet new volunteers). So, I now collect donations in my garage (usually not furniture as it will not fit in my small car). My new neighbors and friends like donating to support Sharing Connections - and I tell them about it and willingly take their donations to my home and then on to Sharing Connections. It brings happiness to my heart to see the way others will generously provide when given a way to do it. Not all of my neighbors and friends drive or are able to physically manage the items they want to donate. So, extending my Sharing Connections volunteering to them is a win-win for all involved. There is a great deal of negativity on the news, in conversations, and in newspapers and magazines. Sharing Connections provides a way to reinforce that there is good in our communities. Personally, I have been blessed to be a part of the vision Leeann McGrath has. Meeting her, talking with her, sharing with her, and knowing all she continues to do not only for Sharing Connections, but for other causes as well - is so rewarding. Providing this input - input that comes from my heart and personal interactions - is genuine. Stepping out of our comfort zones to extend a hand to those who are currently in need - God's work continues to amaze me. My 5 star rating is sincere.
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CARING is the word that sums up my experiences as a volunteer for 11 years at Sharing Connections. I chose "charing" because it captures the essence of what has to happen in a community to enable Sharing Connections to exist. Without the support of donors who want to help by sharing their personal finances, goods, services, and time to assist others who find themselves in times of need - well, this organization would not exist. Every time I am there my heart is warmed through the exchange of time and stories with our guests and the volunteers and the staff. Creating a warm and genuinely caring place for our guests to come and maintain their dignity is a high priority. Watching as a guest who is starting a new journey in life finds their vehicle being filled with household items that they so need - well, many times there are tears exchanged in the hugs we share. Caring is more than watching from a distance - caring up close and personal can change a person's life forever. Volunteering at Sharing Connections filled a void in my own life - and though the interactions with guests, staff and volunteers this void was soon overflowing with caring.
I've been volunteering for our local non profit for about a year .
Am part of the "truck crew "
We pick up gently used tables/chairs sofas, beds, cribs etc from local homeowners
They are inspected, cleaned , minor repairs and then - less fortunate families -also in our neighborhood come to our warehouse and pick out what they need
Sharing Connections is a grass roots charity in our community - started out about 40 years ago
It has about 100 volunteers
It's mission statement is - "Tonight everyone sleeps in a bed and eats at a table "
They simply are a wonderful local charity - almost 100% volunteer!
Rory Smith
I began volunteering at Sharing Connections in 2021 when I moved to the area. The compassion for others I have witnessed makes this a place I want to volunteer my time at.
I have the unique honor of being a Volunteer at Sharing Connections and also being a social worker who refers clients into this amazing program. I get to see how the clients benefit from this program and truly appreciate the support and truly have their lives change because of the help they receive from Sharing Connections. They finally reach a point in their lives where they find a place to live. A safe place for their children but they cannot afford beds or furniture or the basics. Sharing Connections helps the family start a new life and put them on a pathway to success. I feel so proud to be part of the organization and to refer the families i work with to Sharing Connections
Lisa Kuntz, LCSW Comer Children's Hospital
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I have been volunteering for about 2 years now and I am able to see both sides because I also refer families into the program for help. I am able to see the family's gratitude and how it makes them feel to receive the help on the other side as well. Sharing Connections is an amazing place to not only volunteer but it is this amazing place that brings hope, and a belief that there really are people out there that care to families who may never have experienced that feeling before. Sharing Connections can be that transforming moment in their lives where they see the goodness in the human experience again. Thank you to our donors, to the staff and volunteers that make Sharing Connections what it is and to the children and families who benefit from this little gem.
Lisa Kuntz, Volunteer
It is quite an experience!
Always feel great every time I leave the building after volunteering at Sharing Connections end of the day!
Especially love what I do at the warehouse with multiple tasks, help other volunteers and families.
This experience is totally recommended for anyone to do on their spare time! :D
- Thomas
Joining the volunteer team at Sharing Connections has been a rewarding experience for me. I had been in a helping profession my entire career and after I retired, I missed the connections I made with people in need.
One of my most gratifying experiences at Sharing Connections was participating in the holiday toy drive. Cruising around the warehouse with a shopping cart, selecting a child's holiday wishes was truly exhilarating. I knew that I was contributing to a needy child/family and providing them with the holiday experience they might not have had otherwise.
I always gave to Sharing Connections as far back as when it started in a garage. But when my mother passed I have furniture to give and they were great. When Denis and his truck crew came to pickup they mentioned looking for volunteers.
Happy to say I’m now on the truck and the entire staff is Great!!!?
I have volunteered and donated both furniture and funds to Sharing Connections. Why? Sharing Connections is a win/ win organizations. Good, clean, and useable household items and furniture that might have been discarded are given a new home to a family in need. This is a win for both the donors and the recipients. What’s really amazing is that this organization has served thousands of people with very few staff members and many dedicated volunteers. A truly unique and necessary organization.
I've volunteered with or worked for Sharing Connections----a remarkable organization helping thousands every year to make sure that as many people as possible in our communities get to sleep in their own beds or cribs and eat at their own dinner tables every night. One moment that really sticks out for me was when a woman stopped by near closing time to drop off a crib that was no longer needed in her home. At that moment, Sharing Connections had run out of cribs to distribute to families, and there was a family in the warehouse looking for a crib for their infant. We got to witness the hand-off from the woman who had the crib to give directly to the family that needed her crib. What a beautiful memory that will be for as along as I live.
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I love the uniqueness of the work that Sharing Connections does---collecting new and gently-used furniture and housewares and distributing it to people in our communities who cannot afford beds and cribs to sleep in, dining tables and chairs where they can share meals, do homework, and play games with family and friends, and a comfortable chair to sit a weary body down into after a long day at work (or searching for work). After all, a home without beds, tables & chairs and other basic items merely make these living spaces “permanent shelters”. By providing basic home necessities, Sharing Connections can help create “permanent homes” for people in need.
I never dreamed I'd be a part of this amazing adventure that is Sharing Connections---and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I truly believe that everyone can help someone. No matter how small the gesture, we all have the ability to make a difference. A simple smile can brighten someone’s day!
My favorite thing about Sharing Connections is that each person that walks through the door, volunteers and recipients alike, truly recognize the importance of a helping hand.
It is a privileged to work alongside the amazing Sharing Connections community.
This organization puts people first and every individual that walks through those doors is treated with the utmost respect and care. Every person I’ve had the good fortune to meet is singularly focused on helping others and our collective efforts really matter In shaping the experience our guests have the second they wall through our doors.
The administration is exceptionally organized and focused on service to the community.
We are so fortunate to have this incredible organization who have helped so many people.
I was very happy when i heard about this organization. The idea of giving clothes and furnishings to people who have barely any possessions blew me away. We are all so blessed by what we have, and the best thing about Sharing Connections is knowing that we are helping by giving.
Everyone at Sharing Connections truly care about the people they help. They work so hard behind the scenes to provide for those in our community. I can't say enough good things about them!
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I have had the pleasure of donating and volunteering with Sharing Connectons, Inc. I've had such great experiences with them that I was easily able to convince my employer to make them our Charity Partner for 2020! From the office staff to the volunteers, they TRULY CARE about every single person that comes through their doors. I've seen the way they interact with their clients. They are professional, kind, and empathetic. I literally can't say enough great things about them!
I started out as a client at Sharing Connections over 25 years ago. I cannot imagine what we would have done without the assistance we received at that time. I was always treated so graciously and never had to feel like I was less for needing help. Over the years, we watched this organization grow from a small garage to a large warehouse. As our situation has changed, we have been able to give back in the way of donations and my daughter has worked there as a volunteer. Through my job, I have been able to refer people to Sharing Connections and know that they will be treated with kindness and respect.
Sharing Connections is such a wonderful organization! My donation will go directly to a client
in need . They offer furniture and alot of other household items. Very helpful staff and volunteers.
Sharing Connections has helped several single moms looking for a fresh start and furniture for a new home. They’re one of the only places to find beds and cribs. They are an incredible asset to the community.
I can’t say enough great things about Sharing Connections. As a case manager who works with homeless veterans Sharing connections assists me with furnishing my clients new apartments. The staff and volunteers are incredibly kind to all my clients. All of my clients are incredibly happy with the generous items they get from Sharing Connections!
Great organization, helping neighbors in need! Love knowing our donations go directly to local folks.
Im an approved agent for SC as I work with teen or low income parents. Eve time I have made a referral for my clients, they are always excited to go home with everything they need to feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off they’re shoulders with the help that sharing contractions provides them with.
Thank you to all the volunteers and personal, we are so thankful you’re here to lend a hand to those most in need.
I use to be an intern for Sharing Connections. Sharing Connections is an excellent organization. All the staff and volunteers are very friendly and helpful. I loved working for Sharing Connections as an intern and miss it daily.
I worked at a child care program and had a mom who was struggling to get back on her feet. Although she was on the right track, gaining new employment and renting her first apartment, she shared that she didn’t have any money for furniture at the moment. As a result shewas struggling with guilt that her four year old did not have his own bed. She didn’t mind not having a couch or table, but wanted him to have a “complete” bedroom. I reached out on her behalf to Ryan At Sharing Connections. He not only worked with this mom to set up a full bedroom for her son, but also the rest of her new home. The volunteers went above and beyond to ensure she also had different housewares including pans and towels. She was so grateful and couldn’t hold back tears as she shared the great work. If it weren’t for this wonderful organization a mom and her young son wouldn’t have the comforts of home that most of us take for granted.
What an amazing organization!! Super friendly people, great staff! The people that are there,truly care about helping previously homeless people!
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Sharing Connections holds a special place in my heart! Although I have not had the opportunity to receive services from there, I have been where most of the people come here are. I lived in a Domestic Violence shelter with my 2 boys for a while. We had to leave everything behind and start new. Sharing Connections gives people HOPE! SHARING CONNECTIONS gives people everything they need to make an apartment or house a HOME! From beds to dressers, kitchen table and chairs to sofa and end table to lamps! Pictures or frames to decorate even cleaning supplies and personal care items to get them started even clothing!! And the people who volunteer there are amazing!! We give hope to everyone that comes here! I love volunteering here.
Sharing Connections helps people in need in our local community. I appreciate the options to donate items quickly and easily. I have donated furniture in person several times to Sharing Connections and it makes me feel great to know that my unwanted furniture will go to others in need. I have also donated to their other fundraising efforts that have both in-person and online donation options. Being a donor to Sharing Connections is easy and helps our local community.
Scheduling a pick up to donate furniture is easy and they provide a 2 hour window for pick up at your home which is great. The volunteers on the truck are friendly and courteous ....great experience !
Sharing Connections continues to have a great impact in our local communities, ensuring that those we serve sleep in a bed and eat at a table. The strong corps of volunteers, pipeline of retail and individual donations, and great leadership make it a privilege to be part of the organization.
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I work with non-profit boards and can honestly say that Sharing Connections benefits not only from its committed and loyal volunteers, but from the guidance and support of the board. These business leaders volunteer expertise on accounting and legal matters to process improvement, marketing and fundraising. As a result, Sharing Connections stays on the incredible trajectory, collecting more furniture and donations to serve more clients in need.
This is a great group of incredibly dedicated people - just a few staff members and so many volunteers. I love being able to donate to an organization that truly gives back to the local community, keeping donations at a local level.
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As both a long-term donor and a professional involved with Sharing Connections, I continue to be impressed with the organization. Striving to meet the needs of the local community, the volunteer base is large and staff could not be more dedicated.
It's refreshing to see how appreciative both staff and volunteers are with all donations; they take great pride in making sure they are used to meet the needs of as many guests as possible.
It's humbling to see the positive impact Sharing Connections has on the lives of those in need locally, and I couldn't be more proud to be part of it.
Sharing Connections continues to be a foundation in our community. Helping thousands of local people turn a house into a home after a crisis. The volunteers, staff, and other donors make this place magical. Everyone can really make a difference here - time, money, or items. It's a such a great place.
My family has been donating there for years. Everyone is friendly and helpful. It's such a great place!
My company allows me to volunteer as a benefit. What I like most about volunteering at Sharing Connections is that they are very flexible with scheduling. They are helping local which is important especially with COVID-19 and they are helping kids get off the floor and people have a safe and healthy living space after homelessness. I can't imagine being stuck at home with out a good couch and bed. It seems like a simple concept but really important! This is a great place to volunteer to make a difference but also the people I volunteer with are nice too. It's a very comfortable and friendly environment.
I initially volunteered with my kids when they were in grade school and liked Sharing Connections mission. Years later I got the opportunity to help the mission succeed as a board member. I have enjoyed my time being associated with such an inclusive group and the ability to make such a difference in our clients lives.
This is a great group that does so much for the people that live here in Illinois, and need help.. I am a happy to be associated with this wonderful organization, and my daughter has also volunteered
for this group...
Besides volunteering, we have had a social event where I have asked my guests to bring something for the organization..our front porch was covered with much needed things for Sharing Connections...
I was fortunate enough to work with Sharing Connections and will attest to the pride they bring and put into their work. They are driven to make real change in the community. They are welcoming and kind.
The name of this organization pretty much says it all.
Furniture and household items are donated by someone who no longer desires an item & given to someone who could use the item. How simple but, fabulous a concept! Leeanne McGrath is living proof that one person can make a difference. My life was forever changed the day I met Leeanne.
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For the past 16 years I have been a volunteer at Sharing Connections.
The thing I enjoy the most is helping our guests select the items they desire to make their place a home. It is so rewarding to me, when they leave our warehouse with furniture and household items for a fresh start in their life.
I am a volunteer of 14 years and have never met people as genuine as the staff and volunteers. Everyone unselfishly gives of their talents, time, and many times funds. Each guest is treated with compassion and dignity. What a marvelous goal to hope each guest leaves Sharing Connections a little happier, more comfortable in their residences, and more hopeful as to what the future may bring!
I began volunteering in May of "99 when I retired from my nursing career. I needed something to do that was worthwhile. My neighbor, Leeanne McGrath, is the founder of Sharing Connections and she was operating this charity from her home. It is always better to give than to receive. Often times you want to help but don't know how best to do it. It only takes one person to get the ball rolling and Leeanne did just that. I have met so many wonderful people who volunteer there and some have become forever friends. Most heart-warming is seeing our clients come in, often with their little children, and leave with a new lease on life.
Come and join us in our quest to spread hope. You won't regret it !
I started volunteering with Sharing Connections this year and it has been such a great experience. They community that they have fostered is such a warm and happy one. Not only are we able to help out families transitioning from homelessness but we are able to get together with like minded people who love helping others. It is a top notch organization that I am very proud to be a part of.
Great people who take pride in what they do! Everyone is always in the mood to help, and they are all very kind
Great place to volunteer! I enjoy working with all the volunteers and seeing the smiles on clients faces.
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My family has been associated with this great organization for years! I am now a proud volunteer/Intern for them. I got to see first hand how great they are with their clients, volunteers and staff.
I have seen 1st hand through volunteering at sharing connections the delight of the clients when they get to furnish their new home. They love being able to pick out their furniture and to have new beds to sleep in and for some their 1st bed in many years! It is a wonderful service provided by Dharing Connections and many leave with renewed hope for their future!
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I have become a recent volunteer for this wonderful organization that "Furnishes Hope" for individuals and families in need. I'm impressed by the dedication and passion of the volunteers and by their hard work and organizational skills. This allows for this nonprofit to keep costs down by employing a lean staff. It's an honor to be affiliated with this organization.
I have been involved with this amazing organization for 14 years - and have been joined by many friends and family as volunteers. It is so amazing to be a part of a grassroots organization that truly dedicates itself to furnishing hope. Fantastic and supportive volunteer base, staff, board and amazing donors. Over 9,800 individuals directly helped in 2018 and I look forward to playing my part in helping even more!
I love volunteering here, it's such a warm and welcoming environment and such a great place to have a positive impact on the lives of others.
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This organization has the most dedicated group of volunteers and staff that I have ever seen. Each and every member of the team will do whatever needs to be done to achieve the mission of furnishing hope for those in need. I am proud to be associated with all of the good that is being done!
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It is amazing to watch the volunteers and team at Sharing Connections make such a difference in the community. Each person that comes in for help is treated with total respect and dignity and walks out with the hope for a better future. They continue to strive to do the very best that they can and it shows.
Have been with Sharing Connections for many years....3,500+ hours....all the assist and help we give our clients has rewards for me too. Making people lives better, hands on, gives me purpose with my life and a feeling inside that cannot be described. Pure pleasure might be a good way, helping families, veterans especially for me, my Dad would be proud of all we do, as he was in WW11, decorated veteran, Thanks for letting me help.
Although I may have only just started volunteering my time at Sharing Connections, the amazing people and the amazing work that they do there creates such a wonderful mindset that I carry with me. As a volunteer you can see your hard work pay off in the smiles of the clients and the hopefully shrinking inventory. Many a family has come into their establishment and allowed their lives to be changed forever. I know Sharing Connections has changed many lives before mine and I hope they continue to thrive in their work and impact many more lives after me.
Each and every day, Sharing Connections lives up to it's motto of furnishing hope. Whether it is a veteran transitioning out of homelessness or a family displaced from a fire, the staff and volunteers at Sharing Connections do their very best to furnish hope to struggling individuals and families. For the families that visit Sharing Connections, no matter where they are on their journey through life, they always leave happier and less stressed than they were when they first arrived.
I’ve donated items to them and been to their warehouse and see the people they help. Great organization
Sharing Connections is an awesome organization. They help those in need with a "hand up" to enable them to not only help then get by but to feel better about themselves. Their great work of helping those in need in the Chicagoland area is second to none. Kudos to the other great volunteers their as well as the staff at SC as all are engaged to make this world a better place. It is a fun place to volunteer knowing your work and time is well spent!!
I have been involved with Sharing Connections since 1991. Brought baby items to Leeanne's garage for redistributing to another family in need. She has done amazing work! Her vision to take this small initiative and grow it into a fully-functioning non-profit agency serving the Chicagoland area is nothing short of amazing! This agency helps so many individuals with small requests like clothing and personal care items, to whole home full of beds, dressers, kitchen table/chairs and cooking utensils. It's wonderful to experience a 'Sharing Connection moment' by participating in such a wonderful cause and agency! 4/19/2018 update - they are having a Mom's donation drive. Give $100 and a crib/bed will be bought so all children sleep safely. As a Mom, I want all kids safe and in a crib/bed and tucked in nightly!
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I have been involved with Sharing Connections since 1991. Brought baby items to Leeanne's garage for redistributing to another family in need. She has done amazing work! Her vision to take this small initiative and grow it into a fully-functioning non-profit agency serving the Chicagoland area is nothing short of amazing! This agency helps so many individuals with small requests like clothing and personal care items, to whole home full of beds, dressers, kitchen table/chairs and cooking utensils. It's wonderful to experience a 'Sharing Connection moment' by participating in such a wonderful cause and agency!
Extremely motivated group with goals and visions to to help as many people as they can to help transition into their own home. Truly amazing work done
As a volunteer for over 10 years at Sharing Connections, I have helped to serve many many of our very deserving guests. I have been heartened by the increasing number of veterans that have been referred to us. It is so rewarding to be able to offer not only furniture for their new home, but also many varied household items for their kitchen, bathroom and bedroom along with clothing. Our guests seem a bit apprehensive upon arriving at SC and it is our job to help them feel comfortable, cared for and ready to go back making a new home and new life for themselves and their families. One of my most satisfying moments a few months ago was when one of the movers from a moving company, that was assisting our guest came up to me and told me two years ago he was one of our guests. With a huge smile on his face, he told me because of us he has a comfortable home, a new job and a very promising future ahead of him. It's doesn't get any better than that.
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Having worked at Sharing Connections for over 10 years and having been able to help hundreds of families start over to begin a new chapter in their lives has been a blessing to me as well as them. It's wonderful to offer the families donations of all kinds of furniture and household goods to make their new place a home and somewhere they want to be and also to be proud of. Sometimes they can come in a bit dejected and feeling defeated, but by the time they leave with all of their new items, they have tears of joy and get a great big hug to begin again and face the world with hope. There is nothing more rewarding for a volunteer and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I have volunteered with Sharing Connections for almost 14 years. My roles have included Client Care, Sorting, Christmas Program, Adult Christmas Baskets, and various others. One does not continue to return weekly if they are not happy to be volunteering at a specific place. Working with our guests is so rewarding - for them and for me. When a guest is starting a new home and turns to Sharing Connections for assistance - they come in with some reluctance, not knowing what to expect. Leaving with furniture, dishes, clothing, bedding, home accessories, clothing, appliances, rugs, towels, personal care and cleaning supplies - and many other items that have been donated - well, they now have items to make that empty space a home. Giving a hug to a guest as they leave gives them and us good feelings. Sharing stories and tears, listening with caring and understanding - these are the exceptional personal touches that Sharing Connections can offer.
As a Board Member, I see Sharing Connections from the inside-out. Its leadership, staff and volunteers are aligned in servicing those in need with dignity and respect, while ever mindful of deploying donor resources prudently and in the way that honors the mission. Instances of former clients coming back years later to Sharing Connections as volunteers speaks volumes for what the organization represents to the people it serves. I encourage others to make a positive difference by supporting Sharing Connections!
I have donated to Sharing Connections for a few years but as a newly retired gal, I needed to find my passion here in Downers Grove. I volunteer now 2 mornings per week. I witness the generous donations from stores and companies who understand the struggles of our veterans and domestic abuse victims.
I witness the dedication of the hard working staff!
I especially witness the efforts of the volunteers who have been here for years and call this their calling!
What a terrific place Leanne has built! Let's keep this passion going for the needy!
I have had the honor of being a part of Sharing Connections in a variety of rolls, all of which have been a positive experience. But it is when I connect one on one with a Guest, that I am able to witness the hope we provide during transitional times in people's lives.
I will never forget the veteran who came with a hand drawn floor plan of his new apartment. He had such excitement and gratitude as we carefully picked out his gently used furniture. By the end of his visit, he not only received furniture but almost everything he needed to set up his new home, all of which had been donated by individuals and corporations! He left giving many hugs, a smile on his face, and most of all hope for his future.
This is just one of many stories I have witnessed while volunteering at Sharing Connections. The organization truly does furnish hope.
This is such a great organization to be involved in. Working with people who care so deeply for those in need and treat them with such dignity and respect warms my heart and gives me hope for the future of our country and our world. It is a well run organization that sticks to its mission with passion and focus.
I see the great impact that Sharing Connections has made to individuals and families in need. Whether it is an individual , a family or a veteran in need, Sharing Connections provide comfort and support. I am a volunteer and part of the truck pick up team. Seeing the wonderful folks in the western suburbs that donate great items is heartwarming. Your donations of lightly used furniture as well as money can help us continue to fill this urgent need.
I want to preface this by saying that I am lucky enough to see first hand the impact Sharing Connections makes ! To be able to play a role in serving over 6,000 individuals each year and see the look on the face of the parent when they receive a bed for their child makes all the difference in the world.
I am a volunteer at Sharing Connections. Having volunteered here for over eleven years, I have witnessed so many rewarding moments. Families will come in where the entire family is either sharing one bed or all are sleeping on the floor with little more than a floor mat to lie on. When people see beds , words cannot express their gratitude, but the tears in their eyes say it all.
What a great organization and a great mission.
Enjoy seeing the joy this organization brings to people's lives. When a family comes in and are able to furnish their new home when all they had before was empty rooms they are very appreciative. I really enjoy the time I spend volunteering there and find it a truly rewarding experience.
Working at this non profit has been a great experience! The personal that is on staff here are the most kindhearted and thoughtful people. Along with the great personal, the volunteer staff has also been a joy to work with. The volunteer staff is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that a guest properly outfitted with the furniture that they require. Not to mention they make sure that everyone that comes here is comfortable and happy. The volunteers and staff make sure that all the furniture is properly taken care of and ensures that the furniture meets the highest quality level.
Working here at sharing connections has been a rewarding experience just knowing that what we do here helps people in need. The workers here are very nice and dedicated it makes me feel good knowing what I do here makes people in need very happy....Thank you sharing connections for having me time well spent God Bless You All....JG
I have been volunteering at Sharing Connections for over a year and look forward to my Saturdays working alongside Julio, Abbey, and the other volunteers. I found out about Sharing Connections when I was donating a couch. The process of picking up the couch was so seamless I decided to look at volunteer opportunities. Thank goodness I did. The appreciation and sense of relief the guests have when they fill up their trucks with much needed items is incredible. I watched three kids, their eyes as wide as if it were Christmas, watching their new mattresses being put in their truck. Those experiences are why Sharing Connections is such a great place to volunteer and I am so grateful that we found each other.
I have been a volunteer at Sharing Connections for 5 years and have seen how this group impacts a family in need. We try to give a family in need furniture, bedding, household items, clothes, and much more. All of these items are donations from the communities around us, many who have donated to us for years. I have seen a mother cry when we were able to give her children each a bed, something they never had. Several homeless veterans have come through, looking for a second chance and so happy to receive the items they needed. At Christmas, we join efforts with Marine Toys for Tots, and one mom broke down when we were able to give her son a bike. At Christmas, we receive all sorts of new toys, gift cards, coats, homemade hats and scarfs that the community knows we will give to clients. I am amazed every year at the generosity of people!