'Days of our Lives' and Art Van Furniture Deliver Truckloads of Donations to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries-Genesis House III

'Days of our Lives' and Art Van Furniture Deliver Truckloads of Donations to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries-Genesis House III

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Monday, January 18 will be marked as a day to remember at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House III. Due to the outstanding partnership between Art Van Furniture, the daytime drama "Days of our Lives" and local NBC affiliate WDIV Channel 4, trucks arrived with barrels of toiletries as well as 50 mattress sets, bed frames, night stands and dressers compliments of Art Van Furniture.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness extended by Art Van Furniture, 'Days of our Lives', and the caring citizens of Metro Detroit. The beautiful dressers, nightstands and beds donated not only have brightened up the shelter rooms, but more importantly the hearts of the women and children staying there," said Marci Fitch from Detroit Rescue Mission. "It truly gives them hope to know so many care about them."

"We realize there is a great need right now," said Gary Van Elslander, President of Art Van Furniture. "You can't help but be touched by the appreciative women and children. We are pleased we were able to help and offer a good night's sleep."

Art Van Furniture stores collected donations and hosted personal appearances, photo opportunities and autograph sessions with cast members Shawn Christian ("Dr. Daniel Jonas") and Nadia Bjorlin ("Chloe Lane") of "Days of our Lives." The actors became involved in the cause during an earlier visit to Detroit, when they toured the facility and participated in a food donation drive for DRMM.

"The love and support we got from Detroit was amazing - all to benefit this very important cause," stated Shawn Christian and Nadia Bjorlin. "We hope to come back soon and do more!" More than one thousand people came out for the events, and Shawn and Nadia warmly greeted every person who visited with them, and were genuinely grateful for the huge turnout.

To say "thank you" for the participation of Metro Detroiters, the producers of "Days of our Lives" and WDIV are awarding a trip to Los Angeles and a special tour of the set through a drawing of all entries received during the event.

   Photos available upon request.     About Art Van Furniture  

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, operating 31 stores in 29 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website plus a new freestanding bedding store in Canton Michigan, 'Art Van Pure Sleep.' The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. For more information, visit artvan.com.

About Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has been providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, crisis counseling, clothing, and treatment services to men, women and children for over 100 years, serving over 1,000,000 meals a year and housing 1200 clients per day. For more information, visit www.drmm.org

About "Days of our Lives"

NBC's "Days of our Lives" will celebrate its 45th year on the air in November 2010 and has already garnered numerous Emmy Awards and nominations, as well as multiple "Soap Opera Digest" and "People's Choice" Awards. The show's success derives from its consistent commitment to excellence in writing and storytelling -- supported by a diverse ensemble of performers -- and an uncanny knack for anticipating viewer interests. "Days of our Lives" is produced by Corday Productions, Inc., in association with Sony Pictures Television.

   CONTACT:   Diane Charles, Director of Corporate    Communications                      Kyley Jolna, Publicist   Art Van Furniture                    Days of our Lives / Klear PR   dcharles@artvan.com                  kjolna@dool.net   586-983-3022                         818-840-2810  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Art Van Furniture

CONTACT: Diane Charles, Director of Corporate Communications, Art Van
Furniture, +1-586-983-3022, dcharles@artvan.com, Kyley Jolna, Publicist, Days
of our Lives / Klear PR, +1-818-840-2810, kjolna@dool.net

Web Site: http://www.artvan.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment