The Mission of Deeds is a nonprofit organization staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers in Reading.The organization purchases beds with cash donations and distributes them, along with donated furniture and other household items in good condition, to needy families and individuals living in Middlesex and Essex counties. Since the Mission of Deeds' inception in 1993,it has provided assistance to more than 7,000 families who have been referred to them by social service agencies such as shelters, elder care agencies and hospitals. Recipients of assistance include individuals and families from diverse ethnic, religious, cultural and racial backgrounds. More than half of the families who receive assistance are mothers and their children, many of whom have lived at shelters for homeless and battered women. Others receiving assistance include the elderly, especially those who have been abandoned by family members; middle-aged men and women who have lost their homes and possessions; and the mentally or physically handicapped who have little or no means of support.The Missionrelies solely on the donation of funds, furniture and other household items for distribution to those in need of assistance. In fact, their entire workforce, excepting two staff members, are volunteers. Additional acceptable donations include tables and chairs, linens, lamps, pots and pans, and other household items in good, usable condition.