Eddie Hales and Michael Gray have been running the non-profit “Cheryl’s List” for two years, operating on the premise that it’s the furniture and housewares that turn a house into a home.
As part of their work, the group locates formerly homeless individuals or other people in need who have recently obtained housing, and helps them out by giving them donated furniture, including items as large as sofas and dressers, down to the often overlooked items like glassware and silverware.
The group was named after Hales’ wife, Cheryl, who died after a battle with cancer.
On the day NewsChannel 5 visited, Alex Duncan of Nashville was donating her living room sofa set to the non-profit. She said she had the furniture for 10 years before deciding to donate it.
“It was part of my first apartment, so now it’s time to let it all go,” Duncan said.
But Hales says the best part of what they do happens when they deliver the furniture to the new owners.
A man named Freddie Fisher was selected to be the recipient of Duncan’s couch.
Fisher used to be homeless, but Operation Stand Down helped get him off the streets and into a home. The house is adorned with a simple TV stand, a recliner, and a few other items, but for the most part the home seemed somewhat empty.
After getting the sofa, a new dresser and some glassware, Fisher spoke with NewsChannel 5.
“I’m loving every minute of it!” Fisher said. “Now I can have company over, and invite my grandma over and fix her dinner!”
Fisher smiled as Hales took a picture of him on his new sofa.
Hales and Gray say Fisher’s smile has repeated itself dozens of times in the last couple years, seen on all the people they’ve helped, listening to all their stories.
“I can recall them just like they’re a book,” Hales said.
Fisher had a special message for Duncan after receiving his couch.
“Thank you!” Fisher said. “You are a very special person in my life now!”
For more information on Cheryl’s List, click here.
