L.A. Groups Compete for Used Furniture Donations

A new Los Angeles group that provides free office furniture for charities has saved thousands of usable items from landfills, but it has stubbed some toes along the way, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Asset Network for Education Worldwide began in 2005 when its founder, Rose Tourje, began connecting struggling charities with businesses that are about to throw away their office supplies and furniture. Her group hires movers from a local worker-training program and charges the businesses small fees.

But the director of a group providing similar services, L.A. Shares, said he wished Ms. Tourje would work with his group rather than compete, which she declined to do. L.A. Shares has been around for 17 years and uses a lottery system to match nonprofit groups and furniture. Charities must pick up items directly from the companies.

(Free registration is required to view this article.)