Home sweet home: Elgin nonprofit helps veterans furnish houses

Diane Ahrens founded Operation Sweet Life three years ago with one goal in mind: to help struggling veterans make a house a home.

“We take veterans who have places with next to nothing and fill their homes with furniture and hope,” said Ahrens in an email. “Some of our recipients have come out of domestic violence situations. They are grateful to get out but have nothing to move in with. 95% of the veterans we help have no furniture. We have been able to provide them with entire house furnishings.”

The Elgin organization accomplishes this by working with other area nonprofits to distribute gently used furnishings to veterans and their families. The community can also get involved by donating items to — and shopping at — Operation Sweet Life’s warehouse at 1600A Todd Farm Drive, Elgin.

“For donations, we'd ask they call ahead so we can decide if the items are needed and if we have space to store until pickup,” said Violet Rooker, media relations, in an email. “Our resale shop is in a renovation phase as we organize the plethora of donated items we have received. We are currently in the process of (staffing the store) to guarantee normal business hours. People can, however, call to set up a shop appointment. Most days we are already here at the warehouse to assist.”

Rooker added that they also host warehouse sales once or twice a month on the weekends. Check out their Facebook page for information. All proceeds benefit veterans in need.

For donations drop-offs, call Warehouse Manager Peter Ahrens at (847) 494-9949; for an appointment to shop, call Diane Ahrens at (224) 805-1220 or Peter Ahrens.

To help with Operation Sweet Life’s programs, the nonprofit will host its first fundraising walk Aug. 10 in West Dundee. Diane Ahrens talks more about her organization and the upcoming walk.

Q: What is Operation Sweet Life Inc.?

A: Operation Sweet Life Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to bringing great quality, gently used furniture into homes of veterans transitioning into housing or in already established places. We serve veterans all across the greater Chicago area. Working with organizations such as HUD/VASH Hines, Jesse Brown, and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, we supply furniture for veterans in multiple counties.

Q: How many people do you serve each year?

A: This being our third year operating, we have been able to serve between 120 and 150 veterans and their families each year.

Q: Where do the majority of your funds come from to support this program?

A: In order to cover costs, we rely on private donations, veterans organizations, and fundraisers. We also host warehouse sales throughout the warmer months. We have been grateful to the community for their donations of beautiful, lightly used furniture. Top supporters from Del Webb communities Edgewater and Sun City have made countless donations of high-quality furniture. It’s support like theirs that keeps us running.

Q: Tell us about your upcoming walk.

A: This will be our first .1K, a short walk to raise funds for this operation. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at South End Park in West Dundee. Registration is open from now until July 27. Tickets can be purchased at ticketstripe.com/operationsweetlifewalk for $25. With registration, participants receive a T-shirt and number for the walk.

There will be activities for children, including a bubble station, face painting and the park facility itself. We will have two veteran-owned food trucks, Smash’d burger and Stix & Noodles. There will also be raffle basket tickets that can be purchased. Come dressed in American inspired clothing to be entered into the most patriotic contest. We hope to have a fun community event that brings awareness to our mission.

Sponsor opportunities are available for companies who would like take part. Please reach out via email by July 20 to dahrens@operationsweetlife.com for more information.

“The community is encouraged to join us for the day even if they aren't able to participate in the walk,” Rooker said.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: For opportunities to support our mission, you can visit us on Facebook. Sharing our organization with friends and family makes a big difference. Cash donations are greatly appreciated, and we also do take gently used furniture donations when space is available. Anyone looking to volunteer with us can reach out to Diane at (224) 805-1220 or email dahrens@operationsweetlife.com.

.....

What: Operation Sweet Life’s first .1K fundraising walk

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: South End Park, 150 Short St., West Dundee.

Registration: Open now until July 27; Tickets can be purchased at ticketstripe.com/operationsweetlifewalk for $25.

Sponsorships: Email dahrens@operationsweetlife.com by July 20.