Giving Story: Bob's Discount Furniture

Tackling Homelessness

In early 1995, Bob Kaufman of Bob’s Discount Furniture decided to tackle homelessness head on. With WTNH-TV and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, he designed a “Kids Helping Kids” Campaign, which linked youth groups and school and religious groups with shelters and transitional living programs that served families with children. The young people made cookies and sandwiches, collected household goods, and hosted holiday parties at the shelters.

Bob’s Discount Furniture backed up the youth groups’ efforts by donating certificates for $1,500 worth of furniture to 12 families moving from shelters or transitional facilities to housing of their own. With new furniture — and the help of their enthusiastic supporters — these families were off to a good start in their new homes.

Since its founding over 25 years ago, Bob’s Discount Furniture has been grounded in its charitable giving. The Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation and Bob's Outreach program provides $2.75 million in aid and donations to nonprofits, charities, and schools each year. Bob's has supported numerous charities in Connecticut including Kathie's Place, Alex's Lemonade Stand, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Headquartered in Manchester, CT, Bob's Discount Furniture was founded in 1991 and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The furniture retailer has over 100 locations across the United States and provides everyday low prices on furniture for the living room, bedroom, and dining room, along with home decor, mattresses, and bedding. Every store features an on-the-house Cafe with sweet treats and coffee, along with a life-size Little Bob statue that collects donations which Bob’s matches and gives directly to a non-profit every quarter.

To learn more about Bob’s initiatives, follow the company on YouTube and Twitter.