Tempur-Pedic International and Ashley Furniture HomeStores owners are donating more than 500 Tempur-Pedic mattresses to families in New York and New Jersey affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The American Red Cross and other charitable organizations are working with the HomeStores to identify qualified families. One nonprofit program called Back to Basics, part of the Staten Island Economic Development Corp., is receiving 80 Tempur-Pedic mattresses today, May 23.

"Each weekend we make deliveries to people here on Staten Island that have nothing," Terry Tarangelo, an organizer for Back to Basics, said in a press release. "We have been accepting furniture since November and as soon as it comes in it goes back out to families in need. I can't begin to explain the joy that we have brought to people to know they have a mattress to sleep on instead of the floor."

Three HomeStore licensees, Barry DiMaio (northern New Jersey), Will Schafer (central New Jersey) and Eugene Chrinian (metro New Jersey and New York) have committed warehouse resources and have prepared their 14 HomeStores to assist.

Schafer's central New Jersey stores, and a delivery team provided by Cory Cos., are making the donation to Back to Basics.

Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America, said the company is happy to be able to contribute to this effort.

"When families are in distress after such a devastating storm, one of the most basic needs is a bed of their own and the ability to get a good night's sleep," Anderson said. "We're pleased to collaborate with Ashley Furniture HomeStores to make this happen for families who were hit the hardest and devastated by Hurricane Sandy."