Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I donate?
A. We collect furniture throughout the year on a per request basis. Donation pick ups must be pre-arranged with typically at least two weeks advance notice. Additionally, we try to be as efficient as possible by prioritizing pickups that are directly delivered to displaced people instead of to our storage facility. Every pick up and delivery involves a transportation cost for Furnish a Future, so we recommend that donors contribute between 40-50 euros, depending upon the amount and size of the furniture donated. Please complete the furniture donation form to begin the process!
Q. What items should I donate?
A. Furnish a Future accepts gently used furniture in good condition and safe working order. We also accept clean and usable baby strollers and high chairs. We occasionally accept the following items, if requested by our partner NGOs: clean linens/duvets, plates/glasses/cutlery/pans, small household items and small/large appliances (washing machines & refrigerators). We do not accept clothing, shoes, towels, and household decor.
Q. How does Furnish a Future determine who receives donated furniture?
A. Furnish a Future works closely with our local NGO partners to provide furniture donations to displaced people who are in the resettlement process. The NGO staff are best able to identify displaced persons in need of furniture because they work directly with the target population. This relationship and process allows us to ensure that furniture donations reach the intended recipients and have an immediate impact in supporting their resettlement efforts. We do not accept direct requests from the public.
Q. I am a high school student looking for community service opportunities.
A. Fantastic! We love student volunteers for the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to this work. If you are a high school student at the American School of Barcelona, you will get the benefit of CAS hours for your volunteer time with us. Please speak with Marta Vernet at ASB for more information about CAS credit.
Q. I work for an international school and we are interested in implementing your project model at our school.
A. The Furnish a Future model is uniquely suited for the international school community because it aligns the interests of parents, students, school administration, and local NGOs. Parents need to move, students need volunteer credit, schools need service and community-building projects, and NGOs need to serve displaced people. It is a win-win-win-win solution! This model also integrates well with sustainability efforts because it ‘upcyles’ unwanted, usable furniture. Please contact us at teamsofabcn@gmail.com for more information.