Sharing Connections

Leeanne McGrath, the founder of Sharing Connections, used to become disheartened by the daily news and the staggering amount of poverty alongside such prosperity in her community. She realized, however, that even if she could not brighten the news or make everyone's life better, she could at least do something to help someone. Thus, in 1986, Leeanne began using her Lisle garage to collect baby cribs and baby accessories from people who no longer needed them. She then found grateful families who eagerly gave these items a new home. Today, SC operates out of a 9,000 square foot warehouse and distributes donated furniture and household items to over 6,000 individuals annually. Families served receive over $1,200 on average, of furniture, household items and clothing. SC staff works closely with referring partner organizations. Organizations such as domestic violence shelters, housing organizations, food pantries, schools, veteran, and teen parent organizations refer clients to SC after they have determined the need for beds, cribs, furniture and other household items. Fitting with the vision of SC, distribution of cribs and beds for children is a major focus of our programming. The families served by SC include the previously homeless, unemployed and working poor, veterans, victims of domestic violence, immigrants, individuals with mental or physical disabilities, victims of fire, flood and natural disasters, etc. They have housing, but are faced with the harsh reality that their “home” is empty or severely under-furnished – without cribs and beds for the children, a table, chairs and dishes to share meals, or even a sofa to sit on and relax. Our clients have an average salary of approximately $12,400 a year for a family of four. After basic expenses such as rent, utilities, food and clothing are paid, there's little if anything left for the common household furnishings most take for granted. These individuals and families must overcome many obstacles on their way to self-sufficiency. While volunteers play key roles in maintaining the organization of the warehouse, working with clients when they come to choose and pick-up their furniture and picking up furniture in nearby communities, we must fundraise to offset the associated expenses. Our volunteers are a major source of support providing the equivalent of almost 4.5 full-time staff. As a result, we are able to keep our staff and administrative cost at 5% of the organizational budget.