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Three Triangle Nonprofits Celebrate Collaborative 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Impact

volunteers help on mlk day

RALEIGH, NC – The Green Chair Project is proud to showcase the positive impact of its 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day collaboration with Durham’s Kramden Institute and Raleigh’s Note in the Pocket. Together, the three Triangle nonprofits collected in-kind donations of household furnishings, computers and school-aged clothing, to fuel the vital community efforts each organization executes daily.

From 10 AM to 1 PM,  onsite teams worked to seamlessly unload, sort and process donations, overseeing 168 cars carrying a record amount of second-hand essentials through a successful drop-off.

Notably, in just over four hours, partner nonprofit – Note in the Pocket (NITP) received roughly 4,500 lbs of gently-used clothing and shoes. By early afternoon, NITP volunteers had not only filled two vans but enlisted two additional cars to transport the entire K-12 clothing haul back to the organization’s Hargrove Rd Headquarters for distribution.

“The overwhelming response we saw from our community was incredible. I remember there was even one family who returned three separate times to donate!” states Jackie Craig, Chief Executive Officer of The Green Chair Project.

“Seeing our neighbors show up without hesitation to give so generously in support of families facing unfathomable circumstances is always inspiring. But to know our efforts furthered not just our mission but also the vital work of our partner organizations, Note in the Pocket and 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 collection that took over The Green Chair Project’s Downtown Raleigh headquarters at 1853 Capital Blvd. Volunteers from the local Boys Team Charity and permanent Green Chair volunteers, joined forces with staff from each participating nonprofit, to donate time and energy in honor of the National Day of Service.

“I can’t express how thankful I am for all the volunteers who showed up, giving selflessly of their time and talents to make this drive a reality,” states Rae Marie Czuhai, Chief Advancement Officer of The Green Chair Project. “Our positive impact wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of every unsung all-star working behind the scenes to make big things happen for vulnerable children & families across our community. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2023!”

To explore upcoming volunteer opportunities with The Green Chair Project, connect with the team today or explore thegreenchair.org/get-involved. 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.