Five Triangle Nonprofits Celebrate Collaborative 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Impact
Following the success of the dual drive-through donation collections hosted by The Green Chair Project, Kramden Institute, WAKE Up and Read, the Boys & Girls Club of Durham and Orange County and Note in the Pocket (NITP) on January 15th, the organizations are thanking the Triangle community for the overwhelming show of support.
RALEIGH, NC – The Green Chair Project is proud to showcase the positive impact of its 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service collaboration with Durham’s Kramden Institute and Boys & Girls Club of Durham & Orange County alongside Raleigh’s Note in the Pocket and WAKE Up and Read. Together, the five Triangle nonprofits collected in-kind donations of household furnishings, computers, reading materials and clothing of all ages to fuel the vital community efforts each organization executes daily.
Building on the success of 2023’s MLK collaboration, The Green Chair Project and its partners expanded efforts to oversee two separate donation drive locations. In Raleigh, staff and volunteers from TGCP, WAKE Up and Read and Note in the Pocket accepted donations from 10 AM to 2 PM at 1853 Capital Blvd. Meanwhile, volunteers and staff from Kramden Institute, Note in the Pocket and the Boys & Girls Club of Orange and Durham County oversaw drop-off donations at 1010 Martin Luther King Blvd.
The dual drop-off locations welcomed over 200 cars in just over four hours, easily breaking the previous year’s record. Additionally, Note in the Pocket reported collecting roughly 5,500 lbs of clothing and shoes soon to be going to new homes, while Kramden Institute recorded roughly 50 items shared. All participating organizations emphasized the real positive takeaway is getting to share their mission with so many dedicated community members.
“Last year, I was blown away at the outpouring of support we received, and I’m overjoyed to say this year is no different! The overwhelming response we saw from our community was simply incredible,” states Rae Marie Czuhai, Chief Executive Officer of The Green Chair Project.
“Seeing so many members of our community give so selflessly to support children and families facing unfathomable circumstances is always inspiring. But to know our efforts furthered not just our mission but also the vital efforts of FIVE of our Triangle nonprofit partners – Note in the Pocket, WAKE Up and Read, The Boys & Girls Club of Orange and Durham County and the Kramden Institute – is particularly rewarding. I’m sure I speak for us all when I say – thank you to every person who played a part in making this day such a success!”
Over 40 volunteers helmed the busy drive-through collections that took over The Green Chair Project’s Downtown Raleigh headquarters at 1853 Capital Blvd and Note in the Pocket’s new Durham location at 1010 Martin Luther King Blvd. Volunteers from local organizations including Lawson Insurance Group, New Hope Church and 100 Black Men joined forces with staff and regular volunteers from each participating nonprofit, all coming together to honor the National Day of Service.
“I can’t express how thankful I am for the staff and volunteers who had a hand in making these Day of Service donation drives a success,” states Sarah Beth May, Volunteer Coordinator of The Green Chair Project. “Our positive impact wouldn’t be possible without the all-stars working behind the scenes unloading cars, sorting donations and showing up to support our neighbors in need. We’re proud, grateful and motivated to build on this momentum and continue making great things happen for Wake County children and families this year!”
To explore upcoming volunteer opportunities with The Green Chair Project, connect with the team today or explore thegreenchair.org/how-you-can-help. Community members looking to show support for Green Chair’s mission outside of volunteer opportunities can explore potential sponsorships, coordinate local donations or explore year-round giving opportunities at thegreenchair.org.
Participating Partners
About The Green Chair Project:
The Green Chair Project is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that reuses furnishings donated by our community to help our neighbors in need facing the challenges of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. The organization partners with 90+ agencies and nonprofits to provide referred clients with the essential furnishings they need to live sustainably in their new homes.
Since its founding in 2010, The Green Chair Project has helped more than 19,000 children & families rebuild their lives. Community support makes these new beginnings possible. Donations of new or gently used furniture, bed and bath linens, kitchen and cookware may be dropped off at 1853 Capital Blvd. For more information surrounding The Green Chair Project’s impact, advocacy or how to get involved, explore www.thegreenchairproject.org.
About Note in the Pocket:
Founded in 2013, Note in the Pocket (NITP) provides quality clothing to impoverished and homeless children and families with dignity and love. NITP believes that it is unacceptable that children are limited in their educational and social development, because they do not have appropriate clothes for school. NITP works with school social workers and case managers from 12 other agencies in Wake County and Durham to identify students in need and prepare seasonal wardrobes of two weeks’ worth of outfits customized to each child’s specific sizes and styles. By providing personalized, high-quality clothing items that children can be proud to wear, NITP empowers them to succeed in their academic and social environments. To learn more, visit www.noteinthepocket.org.
About Kramden Institute:
Kramden Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides technology and training to bridge the digital divide. Since 2003, Kramden has collected, wiped data, refurbished, and awarded 49,000 computers to low income families at no or low cost across North Carolina through individual and business equipment donations and grant support. Since 2014, Kramden has also provided digital literacy and STEM training to 8600+ persons of all ages. Kramden is a recognized national leader in digital equity. For more information, explore www.kramden.org.
About WAKE Up and Read:
WAKE Up and Read is a community coalition of 30+ committed organizations working together toward one common goal — improving childhood literacy. As a coalition, WAKE Up and Read is united in its belief that literacy is a right for all, not a privilege for the advantaged. By focusing on three areas key to children’s reading success: School Readiness, Learning Opportunities and Family Partners, the collective aligns its serves to move the needle on third-grade reading proficiency and school success in Wake County. By connecting families with resources and programs, the organizations support growing learners and ensure every child is ready to succeed!
About The Boys and Girls Club of Durham & Orange County:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties (BGCDOC) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and protecting children while preserving the beauty and innocence of childhood. We aim to make a fundamental difference in the lives of all youth, but especially those who need guidance the most, by providing a safe alternative for youth between the ages of 6 and 18.
