Off the Floor Pittsburgh
http://blog.offthefloorpittsburgh.org
Off the Floor Pittsburgh

First Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

The first Off the Floor Pittsburgh Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held on Friday, October 19, 2012, designed to honor all volunteers of this ministry, but especially the late Mrs. Dorothy Welsh.  A number of members of her family attended, including her husband, Dick Welsh.  92 volunteers attended the event, representing at least 8 local churches.  Inspirational music was provided by vocalist, Ms. Paula Hudson.  Joan Morris spoke briefly about the life and volunteer role of Dottie Welsh.  M.J. McCarty, founder of OFP, presented a plaque honoring Dottie Welsh to the family.  Shadyside Presbyterian Church provided a fine venue and delicious meal in their recently-renovated banquet hall.  The event was primarily planned by Tricia McGough and Emily Harper.  Costs for the event were contributed by an anonymous donor.

Tax exempt status approved

In record time, the IRS has reviewed and approved OFP's application for tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.   This is a huge milestone for Off the Floor Pittsburgh, which will open many doors for continued growth and success in the ministry.

The Board is very grateful to Mt. Lebanon U.P. Church for its years of oversight, support, and prayers as OFP went through the growing stages of implementing a ministry which will provide used furniture this year to more than 130 families in Allegheny County. 

Off the Floor Pittsburgh filing for nonprofit status

On August 14, 2012, legal counsel for Off the Floor Pittsburgh submitted the organization's information to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for the 501c3, nonprofit status.  At the time, the IRS was currently processing applications from Nov. 2011.  We are hopeful that our request will be successfully processed in approximately ten months.  In the meantime, contributions to Off the Floor Pittsburgh will continue to be tax deductible under the umbrella of Mt. Lebanon U.P. Church.

725 Families helped!

By the end of June, 2012, Off the Floor Pittsburgh volunteers had delivered furniture to our 725th family. Since July, 2009, these families have been referred to OFP by one of the social service agencies that notify us when one of their clients has extensive furniture needs. 

Credit for helping so many families goes to seven teams of volunteers from local churches as well as to Mary Ann Miklos, Pick Up and Delivery Coordinator, and Bob Myers, Executive Director of Off the Floor Pittsburgh.

Furniture donation from Kratsa Properties

Off the Floor Pittsburgh is grateful for a very large donation of furniture in June from Kratsa Properties.  Included were 10 sofas, 5 arm chairs; 5 side chairs, 12 night stands, 5 dressers, 18 small dining tables and at least 80 lamps and lamp stands.   The items were in very good condition and will help a lot of families.

2 Men and a Truck assisted with picking up a load of the largest items.

A big Thank You  to these wonderful corporate partners.

Volunteer needed

Off the Floor Pittsburgh is looking for a volunteer to manage the Impact Survey for families assisted in 2011.  The assignment requires experience making mailing labels, organizational skills, and advanced telephone skills.  The time committment is about 30 hours over five weeks beginning in August, 2012.  The work is all done from your home.  The results of the impact survey enables OFP to evaluate its processes and services and to document the impact families experience from receiving our services.  If interested, contact Bob Myers at rmyers@offthefloorpittsburgh.org.

PA incorporation

Off the Floor Pittsburgh has been incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania.  An EIN has been received.  We are excited!  The application for nonprofit status with the IRS will be submitted this month.  These developments open many doors for ongoing fundraising for this ministry and for expanding our mission to provide basic furniture to families that need it.

No Valentine fundraiser

Unlike previous years, the Board of Off the Floor Pittsburgh decided not to hold this Shadyside event in lieu of other fundrasing efforts.

People helped by Off the Floor Pittsburgh in 2011

In 2011, Off the Floor Pittsburgh delivered significant amounts of used furniture to 112 families and individuals in 37 different zip codes in the greater Pittsburgh area.  The families included 191 children.  More than half of the families were headed by single parents.  72% of the recipients were African American.  All but three of the recipients were referred to OFP by one of the social service agencies that partner with OFP to identify families in special need.

 

600th family served!

On August 20, Off the Floor Pittsburgh delivered furniture to its 600th family since August 2004.  What a wonderful milestone!  The back story of some of this season's families includes a woman having back surgery with no bed to come home to; domestic abuse; house fire; mother of two with husband in jail; sincle mother with 2 special needs sons; mold infestation; bed bug infestation.