HomeGoods kicks off annual blanket drive; drop-off bins in Hyannis & Falmouth stores

Blankets and Linens Needed to Aid Homeless Families in Massachusetts

Number of Homeless Families at Highest Point in State History

HomeGoods is holding its sixth annual blanket drive to benefit the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. People are asked to donate gently used blankets, linens and towels to Boston-area HomeGoods stores.  In addition, HomeGoods will make a $25,000 donation to support the Coalition's effort to end homelessness.

Donations will go to the Massachusetts Coalition's Furniture Bank and be made available to homeless families and individuals who are transitioning from shelters into permanent housing.

The blanket drive will be held Sunday, January 11 through Sunday, January 25, 2009 and  drop-off bins can be found at the following HomeGoods stores:

• Acton
• Bedford
• Braintree
• Danvers
• East Falmouth
• Framingham
• Hyannis
• Milford
• Norwell
• Plainville
• Plymouth
• Reading
• Saugus
• Seekonk
• Somerville
• Tewksbury
• Westborough
• Woburn
• Worcester  

Store locations and directions may be found at www.homegoods.com.

During November 2008 there was a 30% increase in homeless families entering the state's emergency shelter system over the same period last year.   Currently, the number of homeless families in Massachusetts is at its highest point since records have been kept. According to state figures, 2,900 homeless families and 2,234 school aged children are in emergency shelters throughout the Commonwealth.

All donations should be clean and in good condition. Examples of acceptable donations include blankets, throws, comforters, sleeping bags, bed linens in any size and bath towels. 

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) works to address the broad economic and social issues that lead to homelessness. Created by an association of grassroots organizations in 1981, MCH is the country's oldest statewide homeless advocacy organization.

HomeGoods offers the largest selection of designer and brand name home fashions, accessories and gifts for every room in the home at prices 20-60% less than finer catalog, specialty and department regular prices, every day. HomeGoods has over 300 stores nationwide and is a division of The TJX Companies, Inc. of Framingham, MA.

Release courtesy of HomeGoods.