Altrusa of Laconia Making a Difference - Belknap House

 
The Altrusa Club of Laconia recently paid a visit to Belknap House to explore ways in which they could offer assistance to the facility. During the visit, Tom Sica, the Shelter Program Manager, highlighted an old bureau in one of the bedrooms that was in need of refurbishment. The piece was quite scratched, and several of its drawer pulls were broken.
 
Taking on the project, members of the Altrusa Club refinished the bureau in a member’s garage. Adding to their efforts, a friend of one of the club members crafted new drawer pulls for the piece. The bureau was carefully sanded, stained, and finished with multiple coats of polyurethane. Interestingly, the back of the beautifully dovetailed dresser featured a notation indicating it was made by Cushman Furniture of Bennington, VT, a company that operated from 1892 to 1971.
 
Upon completion of the refinishing, the Altrusa members returned the revitalized bureau to Belknap House. This piece will now be put to use in one of their two facilities. For those unfamiliar, Belknap House is the sole familycentered shelter in Belknap County. They provide a safe haven for children, along with offering educational programs and tailored case management for parents. Operating as a 24/7 shelter, their dedicated staff are available at all times to ensure the needs of the families are met and that they adhere to the guidelines necessary for their success.
 
Altrusa International of Laconia is a volunteer service organization dedicated to improving the community through their service. Members combine their talents to develop and finance service projects, meeting specific community needs and improving the quality of life for those in need. Their primary focus is on literacy, as well as women and children’s issues. The Club is part of an International Organization with groups throughout The United States, as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada, Bermuda, Ireland, India, New Zealand, and  Ukraine.