Bob’s Discount Furniture and the New York Giants have teamed up to furnish the home of a single-parent mom and first-time homeowner and her family just in time for the holidays.
Natalia Salazar was in the process of purchasing her first home in Little Ferry, New Jersey, just minutes away from MetLife Stadium, when she was surprised by New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke with a shopping spree to furnish her entire home at Bob’s Discount Furniture.
Bobby met Natalia and her daughters, Camilah,11, and Sofiyah,10, at Bob’s in Paramus, New Jersey. Together, they picked out brand-new furniture for their new home.
“To be involved in an event like this means a lot,” said Bobby. “I am proud to represent the Giants, to support Bob’s Discount Furniture and all the good work they are doing, and to give back to a deserving family like Natalia’s. I love playing football and I love the opportunity it gives me to help others.”
Bobby shared that his favorite part of the shopping trip was helping the sisters pick out furniture for their bedroom. “Deciding between a bunk bed and a regular bed…some hard gametime decisions being made,” he laughed.
With the help of New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), Natalia purchased her first home, upgrading from a one-bedroom apartment she shared with her daughters, to a three-bedroom duplex home featuring a spacious yard for their pets. LISC-New Jersey worked with the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) to support this first-time homeowner in the purchase, furnishing, and decor of this Little Ferry home.
“It means the world for us to move in, especially before the holidays,” said Natalia. “It’s life-changing for us, for sure.”
ILB Bobby Okereke (58) at Bob’s Discount Furniture visits the newly furnished home of Natalia Salazar and family. Photos courtesy of the New York Giants.
Bob’s and the New York Giants have partnered for three consecutive years for Homes for the Holidays. “We are thrilled that we could support Natalia and her family in this new chapter alongside the Giants, who have been great partners in the community and who share our vision that everyone deserves a home they love,” said Lindsay Ruszczyk, Communications, Community Outreach, and PR Director, Bob’s Discount Furniture.
Since 1997, the New York Giants have worked with first-time homeowners, many of whom have been single-parent moms, to surprise them with everything they need to fully furnish their new residence, allowing them to begin their new chapter with a fresh start.
About Bob’s Discount Furniture
Founded in 1991, Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the fastest growing omnichannel furniture retailers in the U.S. Keeping true to its founding principle that everyone deserves a home they love, Bob’s offers stylish and quality furniture, mattresses, and home accents at everyday low prices and a unique shopping experience featuring complimentary cafes in every store.
With over 200 locations across 26 states, Bob’s is the 7th-largest U.S. furniture chain according to Furniture Today. The company has received numerous awards for its industry leadership, reputational excellence, customer service, social impact, and workplace culture.
Bob’s is committed to supporting local communities, donating $2.5 million yearly to nonprofits and schools.
For more information, visit www.mybobs.com/about-bobs
About New Jersey Community Development Corporation
Founded more than three decades ago, New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is a nonprofit organization with a simple but urgent mission: to create opportunities to transform lives. Based in Paterson’s Great Falls neighborhood, NJCDC has invested over $120 million in revitalization and serves more than 4,000 children and families daily through education, housing, youth development, community-building programs, and countywide mental health supports provided through its Teen Centers and NJ4S Passaic County Hub.
In 2024, NJCDC helped residents reduce $1.3 million in non-mortgage debt through its Financial Empowerment Center, engaged 18,000 students and families in mental health and prevention programs, and distributed 7,200 toys to local children during the holidays. Looking ahead, NJCDC is advancing several transformative projects, including a $12 million expansion of the Great Falls Youth Center, the Great Falls Gateway Redevelopment Project to create new housing and retail space, and the Great Falls Arts Center — Paterson’s first dedicated performing-arts facility. For more information on NJCDC, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
About the New York Giants
A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. The Giants have won eight championships: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011. After twice winning two titles in five years, the Giants are the only NFL franchise with Super Bowl victories in four consecutive decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants entered their 101st season of play this fall. For more information, visit www.giants.com.
LISC-New Jersey
Established in 1979, LISC is a national nonprofit housing and community development organization and certified community development financial institution (CDFI) with offices in 38 cities throughout the country and a rural network encompassing 92 partners serving 45 different states and Puerto Rico. In response to the advocacy of local community development organizations, philanthropic organizations and local city administration, LISC established a local LISC program in the City of Newark in 1986, and since expanded its financing and investment in housing, economic and community development projects in low to moderate income communities throughout New Jersey. As a result, to date, LISC-NJ has invested over $487 million in LMI communities throughout the state, leveraging $1.5 billion helping to create over 5,000 units of housing and 1.2 million square feet in new commercial and community spaces. More details can be found here: LISC New Jersey.
