You can make a difference by volunteering

At the end of 2008, the members of Mid Valley Professional Stagers (MVPS) decided to take on a community service project. There were many worthy organizations to choose from, but in the end the H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center was selected. H.O.M.E. is a day shelter and outreach center for at-risk teens. The shelter provides assistance with homework, meals, a place to wash clothing, obtain needed clothing as well as serves as a refuge and safe haven.

Prior to the project starting, there were several meetings to discuss how the staff and teens utilized each of the spaces as well as how we could help them improve the day shelter. The combined goal was to improve function and maximize the home's potential to best serve the teens.

PHASE 1: A volunteer crew of Salem Area Professional Organizers (SAPO) as well as a couple of the MVPS members gathered on Saturday, January 24th to do the initial purge, decluttering and organize mission. There were nearly a dozen in attendance but we accomplished the work of 20! Items were sorted into keep, donate and toss piles. All donations were provided to another Salem area non-profit organization. The day was extremely productive and we all enjoyed our time spent together while making a difference!

Thank you to all of the Salem Area Professional Organizers who graciously donated their time - we greatly appreciate you!!

A report on phase 2 is forthcoming... stay tuned!!

This article submitted by Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura. Copyright 2009.