When Community Comes Together: How One Simple Act Sparked a Ripple of Generosity

At Harford RENEW, we believe that when people and organizations unite around a shared purpose, extraordinary things happen. Recently, we witnessed this truth firsthand through a powerful partnership with Fresh Start Furnishings, a collaboration that began with a single act of kindness and grew into something much bigger.

It all started during a visit to Fresh Start Furnishings’ showroom. While picking up furniture and housewares to help furnish our sober living house, our founder, Tabitha Gosnell, learned that one of their clients was unable to afford the delivery fee for their items. Without hesitation, she covered the cost. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to someone taking steps to rebuild their life.

What happened next showed just how impactful community connections can be.

Inspired by Fresh Start’s mission and the way our goals aligned, Tabitha and her husband Brian connected them with GXO Logistics and the Conair Distribution Center in Hagerstown, Maryland.

That introduction unlocked an incredible donation: three and a half pallets of brand new small appliances and kitchenware including toasters, coffee makers, cookware, food processors, and more valued at over $5,500.

Fresh Start volunteers didn’t stop there. They helped transport another pallet and a half of donations directly to Harford RENEW, enabling us to better serve women in recovery and those transitioning into stable housing.

This is what true collaboration looks like. One simple act of generosity sparked a chain reaction, bringing together nonprofits, community leaders, and corporate partners to create real impact.

To Fresh Start Furnishings, GXO/Conair, and the amazing volunteers who made this possible: thank you. Together, you’ve shown that when we lift each other up, we rise stronger as individuals, as organizations, and as a community.

We invite you to be part of stories like this, consider supporting Harford R.E.N.E.W. Your donation or partnership helps furnish sober living homes, provide essential resources, and create hope-filled new beginnings. Click HERE to donate or contact us to get involved.