Local nonprofit, Blankets of Hope, known for sourcing and distributing fleece blankets to those in need throughout the region, announced they are expanding their mission this week. In addition to providing blankets, the local nonprofit will now also distribute mattress and box spring bed sets.
Founded by Marc Goldstein in 2012, Blankets of Hope has donated over 46,000 blankets. Fleece blankets are provided to homeless shelters, cancer patients & hospitals, veterans, children’s homes and other organizations that might have a need.
Goldstein prides himself on the no overhead cost mission of Blankets of Hope. To do this, blankets are shipped direct from the manufacturer to the location and individuals being served. For every $5 raised, a blanket is donated to someone in need. Goldstein does not take a pay check himself to manage the nonprofit.
In 2016, the Chef Tim’s Take the Chill Off event grew the charities mission further. The first year of the Chili event provided enough funds to donate 1,100 blankets. Now the annual event raises thousands of dollars through donations and sponsors.
Using extra money left over from 2019’s Chili event, Goldstein decided it was time to expand into a new area. A year in the making, Goldstein tells Reading Magazine that the concept started by a request from one of this board members.
The idea of providing beds was brought up to Goldstein last year by one of his board members. The concept has been on his mind ever since. “It took me about a year to find a good mattress company that would give us the price we needed” says Goldstein. “I reached out to Chris Fecera of Feceras Furniture, which I’ve know for a long time, who was more than happy to help.”
Goldstein selected Habitat for Humanity of Berks County to be the first recipient of the new mattress and box spring sets. Delivered by Fecera’s Furniture & Mattress to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Muhlenberg Township, the beds will be given to Habitat’s homeowners as needed.
Looking to the future, Goldstein has setup a partnership with Fecera’s to continue providing beds to the community. “We’re looking to raise another 3,000 to 5,000 dollars to purchase the beds and Fecera’s is willing to warehouse them” says Goldstein. With warehouse space, Goldstein can source beds one-at-a-time, or have them delivered.
Chris Fecera, President of Feceras Furniture & Mattress says he and his employees are excited for the new partnership. “It was easy to want to get involved with that passion and energy” says Fecera. “We’ve been in business for over 70 years and after working with one of our suppliers we were able to provide Marc great bedding in large or small quantities as fast as he needs them.”
