Rotary underwrites repair costs of punctured gas tank for Flourish Furniture

By Kathy Feist

Flourish: A Furniture Bank had posted a need for help on Monday after discovering that thieves had drilled a hole into a gas tank of one of their delivery trucks.

The non-profit furniture bank, headquartered in Grandview, began receiving some donations online. But it wasn’t until the organization’s development director, Elinore Noyes, shared their woes at a South Kansas City Rotary Club meeting that swift action was taken.  In a surprise move, Rotary chapter President Tom Sundquist announced that the club was going to underwrite the estimated $1700 cost to repair the tank. A check was written immediately. 

“We are happy to have Flourish Furniture in the community doing the things they do. And we are happy to be able to help them in any way shape or form,” said Sundquist.

The vehicle is one of two large box trucks that pick up donated furniture from residents and businesses throughout the metropolitan area. The furniture is delivered to families who qualify for help through other non-profit organizations. 

“This funding for the repair of our truck is going to make it possible for us to collect 1500 items a month,” said Noyes. “That will furnish 30 homes a month of the 100 that we usually furnish.” 

Flourish: A Furniture Bank offers beds, furniture, cookware and other household goods free of charge to people setting up homes. Clients include veterans, refugees, kids aging out of foster care, and people coming out of domestic violence situations and prison.

Noyes says $1000 had been collected from individuals.
We are glad to have that,” she says. Those donations will go toward any unexpected costs associated with the damage, such as towing expenses or extra repairs. 

The vehicle is one of two large box trucks and a smaller moving van that is parked outdoors at the headquarters at 11971 Grandview Rd. Last year a delivery truck was stolen from the property but was soon recovered.