Coldwell Banker Gathers Thousands of Pillows for Charity

The Edina office of recently pitched in to help collect pillows to benefit Bridging, a Twin Cities nonprofit that provides furniture and household goods to locals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.

Coldwell Banker Burnet's 2012 pillow drive collected a record-breaking 3,123 pillows for Bridging, according to company officials. It was the largest pillow drive in Bridging's 25 year history. As a result, the organization is distributing one pillow to every person they serve.

Sara Sternberger, executive director of Bridging, said the drive stands out as a triumph in today's economy.

"It is heartbreaking to tell a family that has been homeless that we can only give them one pillow for a bed that has two people sleeping in it," said Sternberger. "But thanks to the community coming together for this drive, tonight we all can sleep better knowing people in need are sleeping better too."

Coldwell Banker Burnet President Robin Peterson said the real estate company's offices were overflowing with pillows during the drive.

"This event really shows the generosity of the Twin Cities," Peterson said. "We are honored to have played a role in supporting Bridging and the community in such a significant way."

While the event has ensured Bridging will have pillows to spare for months to come, the organization is still in need of items like mattresses, box springs, dressers, sofas and kitchen furniture. More information on the organization and online donation options are available at www.bridging.org.