Welcome Home, the West Newton nonprofit that gives free household goods to people in need, marked 10 years on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

About 30 supporters gathered on a loading dock at the organization's 29 Dunstan St. warehouse for the milestone celebration, first reported by the Newton Beacon. Mayor Marc Laredo, State Sen. Cindy Creem and State Reps. Amy Sangiolo and Greg Schwartz joined volunteers and co-founders.

Co-founder Julie Plaut Mahoney told the crowd that the idea started in 2016 when she and fellow co-founder Mindy Preckler began collecting unwanted microwaves, dishes and other household items for people who needed them. It started with two volunteers. Now there are more than 130.

Welcome Home operates like a food pantry for household goods. People make an appointment, visit the facility and browse items on shelves. There are no fees, no forms and no eligibility requirements, according to the organization's website. The nonprofit serves hundreds of people each month, drawing from donated goods and items bought in bulk from retailers.

One detail stands out: organizers deliberately stock kitchenware in a wide variety of colors so that women leaving abusive partners can choose something different from what they left behind.

"They often want a different color kitchen than the one they came from before," Plaut Mahoney said. "So, we really try to make a lot of colors available, and that's just something we're very sensitive to."

Demand has climbed since the pandemic and recent inflation. Volunteer Kiki Gross said the organization received a grant to purchase small appliances and has dedicated shoppers who search stores for the best prices.

Sangiolo, who represents the 11th Middlesex District, and Schwartz, who represents the 12th Middlesex District, presented a proclamation from Beacon Hill honoring the anniversary. Creem said she was not sure she took the idea seriously enough at first but praised the organization's growth. She pledged to help Welcome Home get what it needs as economic pressures continue.

Laredo acknowledged what he called the "tremendous creativity" the nonprofit has needed over the past decade. He said the best accomplishment anyone can claim is improving the lives of their neighbors.

Residents who want to donate items or volunteer can visit welcomehomemass.org or call (617) 454-4795.