Winter ToolBOX Schedule is HERE!
Jamie ToolBank • January 24, 2025
Achieve Your Home Goals This Year with ToolBOX
The arrival of a new year often sparks a desire for personal growth and new beginnings. Many of you are likely looking to learn something new, whether it's to enhance your daily life or finally tackle those home improvement projects that have been lingering on your to-do list.
Enter ToolBOX!
At ToolBOX, we believe in the power of hands-on learning. Our workshops empower individuals with the skills and confidence to tackle home improvement projects, from simple repairs to more ambitious creations. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, our experienced instructors provide a supportive and engaging environment to learn new techniques and build your skills.
- ToolBOX Schedule:
- Home Energy Solutions (1/30) - There are lots of great tools and techniques for reducing home energy costs. Often the biggest challenge is knowing where to start in one’s own home.
- Drywall Repair (2/12) - Learn how to hang new drywall, patch holes, and repair damaged areas seamlessly.
- Power Tools 101 (2/13) - Unlock the secrets to safe, effective, and precise use of power tools! This workshop is STEP 1 in your DIY journey!
- Home Electrical 101 (3/12) - Demystify your home's electrical systems.
- Home Maintenance (3/19) - Don't let home maintenance overwhelm you by learning a clear roadmap to follow while picking up easy-to-follow tips!
- PROJECT: Cornhole Boards (3/22) - Learn essential woodworking skills in our cornhole board building workshop!
- Intro to Framing (4/16) - Demystify the bones of your house and get started on your framing journey!
Our workshops are offered at a sliding scale, enabling everyone to pay what you can.
If you are ready to start learning new skills this year, register for a workshop today by checking out our registration link.
https://www.richmondtoolbank.org/toolbox-program
We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming ToolBOX session!
Cheers,
Jamie
Check out the newest addition to the Buttermilk Trail - courtesy of Friends of the James River.
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
Building Change: Team Building with a Purpose
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