The Knoxville-area Furniture Warehouse is a multi-denominational effort of 14 congregations.  Churches take turns each week putting quality furniture in the hands of people who need it (in Jesus name).

How does it work?
Teams and individuals assemble at Cokesbury Center, 9915 Kingston Pike in Knoxville at 9:00 Saturday morning.  Assignments are made to deliver furniture and then to pickup furniture that has been donated.  Teams pray together and then head out on their assignments.

What do they do?
Of course, they deliver and pickup furniture.  But there is more to it.  Teams also leave a Bible or Bibles at every delivery location.  And according to the coordinator of the Furniture Warehouse ministry, "it is a priority that we pray with every family whenever they let us." 

The Furniture Warehouse ministry targets those with critical needs, e.g. those coming out of homeless or drug abuse situations, immigrants, elderly, battered women and others.  Many furniture recipients are referred by benevolent agencies in the Knoxville area.

Delivering furniture can change lives.
The third Saturday of each month, several young people from the Restorative Justice initiative participate in the furniture delivery.  In fact, two of them have continued to participate after their community service has been completed, and not just once a month, but every week.

Will you pray about asking a few people at your congregation to join this multi-denominational effort?  Can you find at least one truck with 1-2 guys (and/or women) for a once a month Saturday morning assignment delivering furniture to people who need it in our community?  The scheme is simple: Drive to Cokesbury Center on Kingston Pike, pick up furniture, and deliver it. Or drive to someone's house, pick up furniture, and bring it to the Center. The hours are from 9am-12pm (a three hour assignment once a month max!) The maps and assignments will be given to you.  They are asking that small churches join together to do a Saturday shift.

Churches and individuals can donate items.
Almost any item of furniture can be used.  However, the greatest need is for dressers, beds with frames, kitchen tables with chairs, sofas, and appliances.

If you would like to find out more about how your church can participate in this fulfilling ministry, or if you have furniture to donate, contact the Compassion Coalition office by phone 251-1591 or e-mail furniture@compassioncoalition.org.

Participating churches and contact persons: