Rent-to-Own Industry Leaders Donate Over $81,000 in Furniture and Home Goods Following National Conference

12 RTO World 2026 Exhibitors Donated Showroom Items to Support Local Nonprofits

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following RTO World 2026, the national conference and trade show for the rent-to-own industry, 12 exhibitors donated more than $81,000 in furniture, mattresses, appliances, and home goods displayed during the event to nonprofit organizations serving youth and young adults in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), the national trade association for the rent-to-own industry, coordinated the donations following the Aug. 24-27, 2026, conference in West Palm Beach.

The donated items went to Vita Nova, a Palm Beach County nonprofit that helps young adults ages 18 to 25 transition from homelessness or foster care to stable, independent living, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, which provides safe, welcoming spaces and programs that help thousands of local children and teens learn, grow, and build skills for the future.

The effort was made possible in part through Aaron's, one of the largest rent-to-own operators and longtime APRO member, which helped connect APRO with Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Aaron's has a longstanding relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

"RTO World brings together companies from across the rent-to-own industry, and we wanted to make sure that when we came to West Palm Beach, we left something meaningful behind," said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. "Our member brands stepped up with furniture, mattresses, appliances, and other products they were happy to donate, and we were able to connect those resources with local organizations that could put them to good use. It's an incredible example of our industry coming together to make a positive impact in the communities that welcome us."

The following companies contributed items collected at RTO World 2026:

• Almo – 3 washing machines, 3 dryers, 1 washer/dryer stack, 5 refrigerators, 2 freezers, and 1 range
• Ashley Furniture – 4 sectionals, 2 loveseats, 1 sofa, 3 queen bedroom sets, 3 mattresses, 4 dining sets, 1 desk, 1 TV stand, lamps, tables, rugs, and metal foundations
• CordaRoy's – 3 convertible bean bag beds
• Corsicana – 4 queen mattresses and 5 bed frames
• Global Furniture – 1 recliner, 1 sofa bed, 1 dining set, 2 sofas, 2 fireplace/speaker units, and 1 queen bedroom set
• Jamison Bedding – 6 mattresses, including 3 queen and 3 twin
• Living Essentials – 1 TV stand, 1 king bed and frame, 1 queen bed and mattress, 1 nightstand, 1 fireplace/TV stand, 1 banquette/fireplace, 1 lounger, 1 shelving/coffee table unit, and 1 recliner
• Million Dollar Rustic – 1 fireplace, 1 farmhouse table, 4 stools, 1 pantry, and 1 nightstand
• Nav-Air – 2 speakers
• Simply Bunk Beds – 1 twin/twin loft bed, 1 twin/twin bunk bed with twin trundle, 1 twin captain's bed, all with mattresses
• Southerland – 8 queen mattresses, 6 queen frames, and 2 twin frames
• Tempur Sealy International – 11 queen mattresses, 9 queen platform bases, and 2 queen boxsprings with frames

"This generous furniture donation means so much to Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and, most importantly, to the young people we serve," said Erin Nicoloso, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. "These pieces will help us create welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring spaces where our Club members can learn, connect, and grow. Donations like this allow us to invest more of our resources directly into the programs and opportunities our kids deserve, and we are incredibly grateful for this meaningful donation!"

"Many of the young adults we serve arrive with just the clothes on their back and are moving into a place that may be empty or without reliable appliances or bedding," said Gary Graham, Housing Supervisor of Vita Nova. "This donation helps them transition from the street to a house and turn that house into a home. It also means the thousands of dollars we would have spent finding mattresses, furniture, and appliances can instead go directly toward more leases, meals, and services that help get more young people off the streets."

In addition to its philanthropic efforts, APRO serves as a central resource for rent-to-own businesses seeking insights, education, and tools to strengthen operations and better serve consumers.

The U.S. rent-to-own industry generated approximately $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025, served more than 6.7 million households, and employed more than 34,000 Americans, according to APRO's 2026 Rent-to-Own Industry Health Survey.

APRO's work to strengthen the rent-to-own industry was recently recognized with a 2026 Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the 2026 Association Impact Award from the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). Both honors recognized APRO's Generative Knowledge Initiative, which works to improve the accuracy, accessibility, and authority of rent-to-own information available online.

To learn more about APRO, visit www.rtohq.org or follow the organization on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About APRO

The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), formerly Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, is the national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Established in 1980 to advocate for and support the interests of RTO businesses, APRO provides its 330 member brands with essential resources, industry insights, and a strong community network. Through educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and professional development opportunities, APRO strives to elevate the standards and success of the RTO sector, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve customers with integrity and excellence.

Media Contact: Ethan Gutstein, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]

SOURCE Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)