People Inc.Hands Restore, Community Gains More
Mar 16, 2026
Old furniture that might otherwise be thrown away is getting a fresh start through Tossed and Found, a day program at People Inc. where participants restore donated pieces by hand.
People in Tossed and Found program take old furniture and restore it to donate
Dressers, desks, tables and other items arrive at the program showing signs of years of use. People in the day program work together to bring them back into good condition through sanding rough surfaces, applying fresh coats of paint or stain and making small repairs that help extend the life of each piece.
The workshop is part of the day program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Staff guide people in the program through each stage, teaching them how to safely use tools and follow the steps needed to complete certain refurbishing projects. Over time, people in the program build practical skills while working with their hands.
Staff members at People Inc. teach people in the program how to safely operate tools.
“Participants gain confidence and new skills while seeing the results of their work,” said Peter Wigdor, senior supervisor at People Inc. “It’s rewarding to watch them take pride in what they create.”
Once the furniture is finished, the pieces are donated to local organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, where they may be distributed to families in need or sold through Habitat’s ReStore locations to support housing projects.
In some cases, people in the program assess their own environment, and may decide to restore pieces for themselves. Some participants have made furniture to meet their own needs, including a cabinet for their record player and a TV stand to hold gaming consoles.
Keith Haas works on sanding a dresser.
Keith Haas, who attends the program three times a week, loves everything about Tossed and Found, from the skills he’s learning to the people in it.
“I like working with my hands and being with my friends all day,” he said. “I also like working with Peter because he’s so funny. This is my crew.”
To learn more about People Inc.’s day services, please visit our website. Day Services - People Inc. If interested in donating furniture to be refurbished, please contact Peter Wigdor at pwigdor@people-inc.org.