Bridging raised from one baby crib 25 years ago
Fran Heitzman, 87, of Bloomington is living proof that one man can make a major difference in the lives of the needy.
This month, Bridging, which he founded, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of connecting the haves who have gently used furniture and household items to those who need them in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Sixty thousand families have received beds, chairs, pots, pans and lamps through this amazing bridge, involving 6,000 volunteers who help with the day-to-day operations.
Those in need of household items apply through 140 agencies that process their requests and direct them to the two warehouses from where the items are delivered for the clients without charge. (The agency pays the delivery charge.)
For example, last year the Salvation Army referred 784 clients to Bridging in 2011. After the tornado hit North Minneapolis, Bridging helped 94 households.
Volunteers, who are the equivalent of 39 employees, make this network of receiving and giving work.
Donors can either bring household items directly to the warehouse, or volunteers will pick up the furniture at a charge of $75 for an outside pickup and $150 for an inside job.
Twenty-three paid employees drive 11 trucks and move around five semi-trailers where people can donate furniture.
This operation has a budget of $2 million, funded with grants, corporate donations, charges for service, from individuals and fundraisers like the Bedrace for Bridging at Buck Hill in Burnsville.
Heitzman, who had a quintuple bypass 16 years ago, is the founder and the inspiration for Bridging, which he says bridges the haves and the have-nots.
He says he hasn’t any money but is the richest man on the earth. His reward is seeing families, particularly little children, get the furniture they need.
Heitzman began Bridging when as a maintenance man at Pax Christi Catholic church in Eden Prairie someone brought a used crib and he found a use for it.
From that simple beginning, Bridging has become the largest furniture bank in North America, and that’s cause for a celebration.
People can help celebrate the 25th anniversary by sponsoring 25 families by collecting household essentials or start a dresser-building project.
Donations are accepted at Bridging trucks as they travel to 25 locations throughout the area from July to December.
The organization’s Silver Anniversary Gala for Bridging will be held Oct. 5 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
People also are encouraged to donate $25 or $250 in honor of Bridging’s 25th birthday.
More information is at www.bridging.org, at the warehouse locations: 201 W. 87th St., Bloomington and 1633 Terrace Drive, Roseville.
Donation drop-off hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mike Hanks is editor of the Bloomington Sun Current. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.
