Build Your Team, Build Your Community
Jamie ToolBank • July 26, 2024
Building Change: Team Building with a Purpose
Ever thought about turning your team-building day into a force for good? Imagine learning new skills, bonding with your coworkers, and making a tangible difference in your community – all at the same time. That’s Building Change!
At our epic 10,000 square foot tool-lending warehouse, you and your team can roll up your sleeves and craft high-quality outdoor furniture. But it’s not just about building stuff; it’s about building community. Every piece we create finds a home with a local nonprofit, making a real impact on those who need it most.
Check out these awesome projects we’ve completed:
- Esther Manor Farms: Our Adirondack chairs are now adding comfort and charm to their sensory garden. This incredible woman-owned farm is a champion of sustainable agriculture and diversity, and we’re proud to support their mission.
- Wahrani Trail: Hikers can now enjoy a breather on our park benches as they explore this stunning 150-acre nature preserve. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot to those who love the outdoors.
Ready to be part of something special? Join us for a Building Change session! Once you fill out the Building Change form, you’re just a few clicks away from creating lasting change in our community.
I can’t wait to see what we can build together!
Cheers,
Jamie
Mission Advancement Manager
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P.S. I’m off to enjoy a little R&R on one of our benches at Wahrani Trail. Keep an eye out for me!
Check out the newest addition to the Buttermilk Trail - courtesy of Friends of the James River.
Achieve Your Home Goals This Year with ToolBOX
2024 in Review: Building Change, Tools for Change, and So Much More!
ToolBOX receives game-changing grant from Impact 100 Richmond
Learn how our Tools for Change program has impacted two local nonprofits supporting Richmond communities.
Hi, hellooooo! Another quarter has flown by, and we're excited to share the incredible accomplishments we've achieved TOGETHER! Our warehouse has been buzzing with activity, providing tools, equipment, and expertise to our extensive network of Tools for Change member agencies. We've completed 418 projects with the help of 6,464 dedicated volunteers. Over 6,400 tools have been checked out, and our members have spent $11,872.38 to borrow tools valued at $321,442.98. Thanks to the amazing work of the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, trash and invasive species were removed from popular trails, Hanover County Parks and Recreation built picnic tables, removed invasive species and beautified landscapes across Hanover County during a Day of Service! And finally, our event equipment was put to good use by Diversity Thrift during their Big Gay Market hosted the 2nd Sunday of every month - and what makes these events special is that they raise funds supporting LGBTQ families & artists. We've also been busy giving back to our community through our Building Change sessions. Thanks to the efforts of 323 volunteers, we've donated 67 picnic tables, 36 park benches, 15 compost bins, 5 Adirondack chairs, and more to local community partners like New Kent Parks & Recreation , Louisa County Public Schools , and Chesterfield Foodbank . And finally, our ToolBOX workshops have continued to be a valuable resource for our community. We've provided 8 hours of hands-on training to 22 participants, covering topics like advanced saws, drywall, and power tool basics. Together, we've made a significant impact on our community. Let's continue this momentum and keep empowering our neighbors to create positive change. Yours in gratitude, Jamie
TOGETHER, we raised $1,090!
Drink beer & do some good! See you at Starr Hill Beerhall & Roof Top in September.
Summer is winding down, and it's the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and dive into some home improvement projects. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, ToolBOX has something for everyone. We're thrilled to announce our upcoming workshops, designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to transform your house into a home. Power Up Your Skills Power Tools 101 (August 22 & 28): Master the basics of power tools with our hands-on workshop. Learn how to safely and effectively use drills, saws, and sanders. Power Tools 201: Advanced Saws & Cornhole Board Build (September 12 & 15): Take your power tool skills to the next level and build your own custom cornhole board. Plus, feel good knowing that the cornhole boards built on September 15th will be donated to a local non-profit. Paint Like a Pro (October 3 & 10): Transform your space with expert painting techniques. From color selection to flawless finishes, we'll teach you everything you need to know. What's Next? Stay tuned for even more exciting workshops coming soon! We're always listening to your feedback, so if there's a specific skill or project you'd like to learn about, let us know in the comments below. Ready to get started? Here’s our full workshop schedule and registration links. We can't wait to see you there! https://www.richmondtoolbank.org/toolbox-program
Happy SUMMER! With the longer nights & warmer weather, our member agencies have been keeping us busy at our 10,000 sq foot tool-lending warehouse. We're thrilled to share the incredible impact we've achieved together in the first half of 2024! Because of the support from our generous corporate sponsors, monthly donors, and dedicated volunteers, we've empowered our member agencies and fostered a thriving community of service. Here's a glimpse of what we accomplished together: Welcomed 49 new members: Our growing network allows us to reach more people in need. Empowered 103 member agencies: We provided essential tools and resources to help agencies deliver their vital services. Completed 497 projects: Thanks to your support, we facilitated hundreds of projects that make a real difference throughout Central Virginia. Equipped 8,069 volunteers: Using our tools, volunteers logged hundreds of hours completing projects that improve upon our city! Member tool borrowing: A staggering 10,237 tools borrowed by members represents the tangible impact of your support, valued at $405,431.76! These numbers translate to real change in the lives of countless individuals. Peter Paul Development Center recently shared how the ToolBank has made completing projects around their center not only easier but more affordable. At the end of April, with the help of volunteer and our tools they got their playground ready for the summer! ⚒️ "The process is so easy and affordable! It has really made a huge difference for me because I am able to quickly order what I need, schedule a pickup, and have everything ready with no hassle! Did I mention it is super affordable!?" ⚒️ "Volunteers were able to perform their duties without struggling to find the right tools to work with. We were able to have everything they needed ready for them when they arrived!" Want to learn more about our impact & see how our Building Change + ToolBOX workshops have been up to since January? We put together a one-pager sharing what we've been up to at your local ToolBank. Check it out HERE! Signing off to cool down on the James River and enjoy a delicious Blue Hawaiian at the Lily Pad. Hope you are finding plenty of ways to stay cool during this heatwave! . . . P.S. Want to get involved? We’ve got volunteer opportunities every Wednesday mornings (9 AM - 12 PM) Thursday evenings ( 4 PM - 6 PM) Register for a a session (or two) HERE! https://www.cfengage.org/opportunity/a0C5c00000MqZbKEAV/richmond-toolbank-equip-community-groups-with-tools-for-change