For Spring Break, I went on a week-long service trip to Maryland to work with a non-profit organization called A Wider Circle. While volunteering there, I completely fell in love with what they do. I began to think and came up with the conclusion that this organization is one that every single state should be required to have.

A Wider Circle provides home essentials for those in need- at no cost. When their founder realize that many people with low income may have a home, but do not have any furniture, he decided it was time to do something about it. So A Wider Circle was created, and now they help over 4,000 families a year furnish their homes.

One of my favorite things about A Wider Circle is that they don't simply take in furniture, and give it to people who need it. They inspect the donations and only accept things that they believe are in "dignity" condition. This means there are no rips or stains, and it is in a good condition. I love that their point isn't just to provide those in need with any furniture possible, but with something that is nice, and that they can pick on their own.

Being able to decorate your own home is important, and giving those in need the ability to have nice things makes them feel that much better. As I helped load people's trucks with their brand new furniture, I could see the light in their eyes. They now have a bed, and a dresser, and whatever else it is that they needed. It is an incredible feeling knowing that you helped one more person get to go to bed on a mattress instead of the floor each night.

While A Wider Circle's main focus is with providing home essentials, they also provide baby clothes and items, and linens. They also have a program called for professional development. Through this, they provide those in need with professional clothes, along with the option to take a class on professional development. Through this class, they are even assigned a mentor to help them through the job application and hiring process. After spending my week with A Wider Circle, I began to realize that every state should have this type of organization. People everywhere are in need of home essentials. How many times do you drive around and see couches and chairs on the side of the road sitting to rot or get taken to the dump? They could be put to use for someone who really needs them, instead of going to waste.

A Wider Circle really touched my heart and made a difference in my life. If you would like to learn more, or even donate, go to http://awidercircle.org/ or check out their Facebook page.