Photos courtesy of Bridging
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with the founder of Bridging, Fran Heitzman. Of the hundreds of meetings I attend annually, this one changed my life. We talked about the impact a visit to Bridging has on the people it serves.
Dignity of choice is key for the clients of Bridging. During their shopping trip, clients choose which bed, pillow, blankets, and linens they like. Next, they pick out a dining table they can gather around each night, chairs, and a lamp kids can use to do their homework. Off to the housewares section to select pots, pans, utensils, dishes, glassware, and more, so that meals can be prepared at home. Finally, it’s time to find that perfect couch, chair, and coffee table to create a gathering site for sharing time together.
Thanks to the generous donations of gently used and new items from thousands of donors, life changes with one shopping trip at Bridging.
Hundreds of volunteers from civic clubs, schools, faith communities, businesses, and the community make Bridging work; they accept donations, fill the warehouse shelves, and serve as client shopping assistants. This amazing team of huge-hearted, hardworking people allows Bridging to serve 100 Minnesota homes each week and keep hard costs as low as possible.
As a mother, this first meeting with Fran opened my eyes, moved my heart, and compelled me to act to help Bridging make a difference.
That’s how the annual Original Mattress Factory Bring a Blanket for Bridging collection was born. Now, more than two decades later, thanks to the support of the team at our agency, who are all as passionate as I am—our friends, neighbors, and strangers who have become friends along the way—the miracle of sharing warmth with hundreds of people happens every year through this one annual collection event.
The team at Original Mattress Factory is also moved by the mission of Bridging. Throughout the year, they provide mattresses and box springs to help fill the warehouses. Now in their fourth year of support, the amazing team and leaders of Original Mattress Factory have stepped up with an even deeper commitment, making it easier for others to help.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., four retail locations of the Original Mattress Factory (Maplewood, Shakopee, Minnetonka, and Eagan) will serve as drop-off locations for donations of new or gently used blankets.
Thanks to the Chris Carr & Company at K102, the first 102 cars at each location will receive an envelope that may contain $102 cash, gift cards, or concert tickets. The generous folks at Greenspring Media and Minnesota Monthly have also helped by sharing the news and informing their readers of the chance to make a difference.
Imagine not having a blanket on your bed during our cold Minnesota winters. It’s tough to even comprehend, isn’t it?
We invite you to support your neighbors on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., by driving up and dropping off one or many blankets. Your generous donation can help change a life this winter. Thank you for sharing.
