When I relocated back to the Boston area in 2003, I had several furniture items that I no longer needed.  Perhaps it was fate or simply luck that led me to HGRM, and a truly remarkable couple and group of volunteers who were making a difference in peoples lives.  When Larry, the driver, arrived to pick up my furniture, we spoke about HGRM.  Larry explained that he was a volunteer and board member and very quickly had me committing to volunteering myself! 

The next week I met Barbara and Ira, the founders of the organization and over the next few months heard the stories and witnessed the small miracles that were occurring each day at HGRM; simply because Barbara and Ira opened their hearts and home to help. 
So here is their story:

Barbara and Ira are a down-to-earth, modest couple who had raised a family and were active in their community.  In the early 1990's, they heard about a women who had fled El Salvador in fear for her life, arriving here with few if any possessions.  Barbara and Ira quickly stepped in; putting a call out to their neighbors and asking them to donate anything that could help this women set-up her home.  The response was overwhelming, with furniture, bedding, kitchen items and essentials being delivered to their home. 

After Barbara and Ira gave her all the items needed to set-up her apartment, they looked around their driveway and basement and saw that they had so much left over, with more coming in!  Instead of turning items away or calling an agency such as Goodwill, they continued to offer goods to people in need.  Word of mouth spread and before they knew it, they had started HGRM!  In 1999, a group of supporters joined forces with Barbara and Ira and incorporated HGRM into a non-profit organization.  Today HGRM, a mostly volunteer organization, is housed in a 9400 square foot facility and services over 300 families a month providing essential household items to the needy at no cost. Barbara and Ira remain quite active! 

Barbara and Ira, from a simple act of heart, have touched and impacted so many lives.  Not only have they helped thousands of families, they have helped those that wish to volunteer and help others, find a home to do so.  If you are interested in learning more about HGRM please visit their website, and if you able consider a donation. 

While many of us may not have the time needed to undertake the efforts that Ira and Barbara have, we can touch people's lives in a meaningful way with one act of heart, sending a ripple of compassion and love out into our world.  The smallest act can make a big difference!