​It Takes a Community to Create Comfort

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Belle Inn & Studios is more than a lodging business. It is a dream inspired by my grandmother, Grammie Belle, who taught me that comfort is created through simple acts of care—a warm meal, a handmade quilt, a good book, a rocking chair, and a place where people feel welcome.

Our mission is to create a restorative lodging experience for travelers, caregivers, medical travelers, veterans, people living with chronic illness, neurodivergent guests, and anyone who simply needs a place to rest.

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As we work to transform a former commercial building in Durant, Iowa into a place of calm, quiet, and belonging, many people have asked how they can help.

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While financial support is always appreciated, there are many other ways to contribute. Donations of furnishings, books, artwork, supplies, and skilled labor will help us create a warm and welcoming environment while preserving resources for accessibility improvements and guest comfort features.

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Donation Guidelines

Donations are accepted by appointment only.

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Please contact us before dropping off any items. This helps us ensure we have space available, confirm the item is needed, and arrange a convenient time for inspection and delivery.

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Unfortunately, we cannot accept unannounced drop-offs.

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Photos are appreciated for larger items such as furniture, artwork, décor, and appliances.

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Large furniture donations must be pre-approved and accompanied by photos and dimensions.

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All donated items are subject to inspection upon arrival and may be declined if they do not meet current needs, safety standards, or condition requirements.

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Belle Inn & Studios is a for-profit organization. Donations are voluntary gifts to support the creation of a restorative lodging experience and are not tax-deductible charitable contributions.

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🪑 Furniture & Furnishings

 

We welcome quality wood furniture in excellent condition, including:

• Queen bed frames

• Matching bedroom sets

• Nightstands

• Low, long dressers

• Armoires

• Small kitchen tables with two chairs

• Farmhouse dining tables

• Dining chairs with arms

• Wooden desks and desk chairs

• Sideboards and buffets

• Baker's racks

• Bookshelves

• Rocking chairs

• Accent chairs with arms

• End tables

• Console tables

• Entry benches

• Coat racks

• Quilt racks

• Umbrella stands

 

We are especially interested in complete or matching sets whenever possible.

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🍽️ Kitchen & Dining

 

Help us create kitchens that feel like home.

• Cookware sets

• Pots and pans

• Dutch ovens

• Stock pots

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheets

• Muffin tins

• Cake and pie pans

• Cookie sheets

• Casserole dishes

• Serving bowls

• Serving platters

• Pitchers

• Canister sets

• Rolling pins

• Biscuit cutters

• Colanders

• Whisks

• Tongs

• Spatulas

• Ladles

• Serving spoons

• Vegetable peelers

• Graters

• Matching silverware sets

• Longaberger baskets

• Handmade baskets

• Bread baskets

• Full-length aprons

 

⚡ New or Like-New Appliances

 

We may accept select appliances that are unused, recently manufactured, and in excellent working condition, including:

• Microwaves

• Coffee makers

• Electric kettles

• White noise machines

• Electric can openers

• Electric pencil sharpeners

 

Items must:

• Be clean and in excellent condition

• Have no damaged cords or plugs

• Include safety labels

• Be recently manufactured

• Meet current safety standards

 

🧵 Handmade & Creative Items

 

Many of the comforts at Belle Inn will come from the hands of talented makers.

• Handmade quilts

• Lap quilts

• Afghans

• Handmade needlework

• Yarn

• Knitting needles

• Crochet hooks

• Sewing supplies

• Craft storage baskets

 

We also welcome unopened craft kits, including:

• Latch hook kits

• Cross-stitch kits

• Embroidery kits

• Needlepoint kits

• Macramé kits

• Paint-by-number kits

• Diamond art kits

• Beginner knitting or crochet kits

 

        Handmade Kitchen Comforts

• New handmade pot holders

• New handmade trivets

• New handmade dish cloths

• New handmade hot pads

• Handmade tea cozies

• Handmade bowl cozies

• Handmade table runners

 

📚 Books & Reading

 

We are building Georgianna's Reading Room and welcome books in the following categories:

• Beach reads and feel-good fiction

• Classics

• Nature and gardening

• Local history and local authors

• Mystery and cozy mystery

• Romance

• Crafts and creativity

• Wellness and personal growth

• Travel and adventure

• Inspiration and encouragement

 

👓 Accessibility & Low-Vision Items

• New magnifying reading sheets

• New handheld magnifiers

• New, unopened nonprescription reading glasses

• Large-print books

• Large-print playing cards

• Book stands

• New reading pillows

 

🧩 Recreation & Quiet Activities

• Puzzles

• Board games

• Adult coloring books

• Colored pencils

• Craft books

• Sudoku books

• Word search books

• Crossword books

• Journals and notebooks

• Puzzle sorting trays

 

🌿 Plants & Nature

 

Plants are an important part of the restorative environment we hope to create.

• Ceramic plant pots

• Decorative planters

• Plant stands

• Window plant shelves

• Watering cans

• Indoor plant care supplies

 

🎨 Local Art & History

 

We would love to showcase Iowa's beauty and heritage throughout the inn.

• Iowa landscape paintings

• Local artist artwork

• Nature photography

• Historic maps

• Vintage postcards

• Framed historical photographs

• Rural and agricultural scenes

• Local history publications

 

☔ Hospitality & Guest Comfort

 

The little details often make the biggest difference.

• Quality umbrellas

• Welcome baskets

• Decorative trays

• Magazine racks

 

🔨 Skilled Labor & Professional Services

 

Donations of time and talent are incredibly valuable.

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Examples include:

• Painting

• Minor carpentry

• Hanging doors

• Furniture assembly

• Installing door hardware

• Replacing light fixtures

• Hanging acoustic panels

• Mounting shelves

• Hanging artwork

• Accessibility modifications

• Landscaping

• Photography

• Videography

• Deep cleaning

• Moving assistance

 

      Items We Are Not Accepting

 

To ensure a safe, hygienic, and consistent guest experience, we are not accepting:

• Used sheets

• Used towels

• Used pillows

• Mattresses

• Broken or damaged items

• Items with smoke, mildew, or strong odors

• Outdated electronics

• Appliances with damaged cords or missing parts

• Older electrical items that cannot be verified as safe

 

As a general rule, items that come into close contact with guests' faces, eyes, bedding, or bodies should be new.

 

Every Contribution Matters

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Whether it's a rocking chair, a favorite book, a handmade quilt, a set of mixing bowls, a historic photograph, a ceramic planter, a handcrafted trivet, or a few hours of volunteer labor, your contribution helps create a place where others can find comfort, quiet, and rest.

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Thank you for helping us build Belle Inn & Studios—one thoughtful detail at a time.