One nonprofit organization is helping local families who are struggling to fill their homes with essential furniture. Their services are helping individuals improve their overall quality of life, all while getting a good night’s sleep. Meet DIG.

DIG Furniture Bank received a WellSpan Spark Grant this year for their Good Night’s Sleep Fund, which supported the purchase of 20 beds for residents securing permanent housing or who lacked the resources to purchase a bed on their own. The beds included mattresses of all sizes, as well as bed frames.

Founded in 2020 as a solution to bridge the gap in housing services, the DIG Furniture Bank restores dignity and promotes stability by redirecting gently used furniture and household items to local families in need at no cost. Located in Milton, they are the only registered furniture bank in central PA – serving Northumberland, Union and Snyder counties. The grant impacted 28 adults and 23 children in need, who were referred by community partners.

DIG Furniture Bank. Photo credit: Amanda Nichols Photography. 

Last year, WellSpan awarded over $2.67 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, supporting 66 impact-driven initiatives aligned with the WellSpan Community Health Improvement Plan.

“When you feel good about your surroundings and your environment, it helps you feel good about yourself, gives you confidence and the desire to strive for a better life,” said Sheila Packer, community health lead coordinator at WellSpan Health. “This is the beauty of DIG furniture bank. They allow people to gain DIGnity and self-worth simply by helping to improve their living environment. As WellSpan continues its strong commitment to supporting housing needs in our community, partners like DIG stand out and drive our mission of creating healthier communities and opportunity for all.”

DIG is short for Dignity, the core value that guides the organization’s work. Their store allows clients to roam organized furniture displays and choose what they need. Personal shoppers can also select items for them if they’re unable to make it in for an appointment. Free delivery to clients’ homes is offered as well, with each donation drop off including a housewarming basket – complete with essential cleaning and home care items.

“We want to make sure we help individuals choose items for their home that reflect who they are to help boost their confidence while promoting stability,” said Emily Gorski, founder and executive director of DIG. “Volunteers and donors are very generous with their time and make sure clients have what they need. People will bring in plant clippings and smaller decorations for clients too. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.”

From left, Emily and Gabby Herman, operations director. 

In 2024, DIG served 236 families, with 4,551 household items distributed, including 308 beds. Through community donations, the total value of furniture and household goods provided to clients was more than $128,800.

“People can take what they have for granted, but when you don’t have something – whether it’s a lamp or a bed – receiving it can mean the world to someone,” said Emily. “We’re so appreciative of WellSpan’s support to continue our work of directly impacting community members.”

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