Heading Home Inc. and CB Richard Ellis/New England (CBRE/NE) collected more than 2,000 household items in a span of two weeks through CBRE Cares, a companywide charity event.

Donations collected included linens, small appliances, dishes, pots and pans, cleaning supplies and other items essential to setting up a household. These items will be given to homeless families and individuals moving from shelters to independent housing.

The items collected in Boston went towards Heading Home’s "Up and Out" program, which assists individuals and families who are moving into their own apartments after being homeless. Other items collected will go to shelters or be distributed at Heading Home’s food pantry to aid homeless and low-income individuals.

"A house doesn’t feel like a home until it is furnished with the necessary supplies," said

Tom Lorello, director of Heading Home. "CBRE/NE’s donations show that even in hard times, people can come together to help one another."

Donation stations were set up across New England, giving the opportunity for both CBRE/NE employees and tenants to donate. "CBRE Cares – New England is dedicated to supporting the local communities where we live and work each day," said Andy Hoar, president and co-managing partner of CBRE/NE and a board member of Heading Home. "We want to help Heading Home make a real difference in the lives of the individuals they serve."

Additionally, CBRE/NE organized a Day of Service on April 14 to help improve Heading

Home’s Medford Family Life Education Center. More than 30 volunteers brought donated

housewares items to the center and helped replace many of the items in the kitchen.