Our team at ToolBank USA looks forward to keeping all of our ToolBankers up-to-date with what is happening across our network. Be on the lookout for our monthly newsletter and don’t forget to follow us and our affiliate ToolBanks on social media for immediate updates.
Happy Holidays from the ToolBank USA Team!
On behalf of our entire team, we would like to wish all of our ToolBank affiliates, their staffs, our board of directors, partners, and supporters a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This year has been very exciting for our team at ToolBank USA and having the ability to get back out in the community for build projects with our partners and for us to respond to a number of national disasters. We also added 3 new members to our team in 2021 to help with our Disaster Response and overall marketing, communication, and outreach strategy. As we wrap up this year, we look forward to another successful year for ToolBank nation in 2022 and look forward to continuing to share updates in our monthly newsletter!
UPS Volunteer Day in Minneapolis
The ToolBank team was up in Minneapolis the week of October 4th with our partners at UPS to build 24 picnic tables for the local parks. Dozens of UPS drivers gathered to volunteer at Powderhorn Park. The Powderhorn Park neighborhood is located approximately three miles south of downtown. Its namesake is the city’s Powderhorn Park facility in the northwestern part of the neighborhood around Powderhorn Lake, which contains playing fields, playgrounds, and a park building that hosts community education classes ranging from pottery to yoga. Tragically, this neighborhood was the site of the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd…
ToolBank USA tools helping The Mission Continues with Operation Enduring Service
Our team at ToolBank USA had the pleasure of helping our friends at The Mission Continues with their Operation Enduring Service. Operation Enduring Services is a campaign that brings together veteran volunteer groups to honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.
Projects started in July in two communities in Chicago, IL. ToolBank tools assisted The Mission Continues volunteers in Yollocalli and with the Enlace La Calabazas Community Garden. From Chicago, the group moved onto Los Angeles, CA in August and worked on projects that included building outdoor furniture, painting, and landscaping at the Wanda A. Mikes Early Education Center…
Atlanta ToolBank Update:
This is a long overdue update for the Atlanta ToolBank, but we wanted to take a moment to welcome Joanna Patterson and Dorion Davis to the ToolBank team! Joanna joined the ATL ToolBank as the Manager for Volunteers and Warehouse, and Dorion came on board as the Lending Program Specialist. Both Joanna and Dorion bring a wealth of experience and knowledge with them and we all look forward their contributions to the vibrant tool lending program and warehouse operations in Atlanta. Welcome to the ToolBank team, Joanna and Dorion!
ATL – Joanna Patterson
ATL – Dorion Davis
Baltimore ToolBank Update:
For the last six years, the Baltimore ToolBank has supported the Bea Gaddy Family Center in their work to feed residents in the community throughout the year. This year marks their 40th year of service during the holidays! Check out the news clip from the ToolBank’s efforts and see if you can spot some of their tables and chairs. Look for #BlueTools by name at the 0:50 mark!
Charlotte ToolBank Update:
The Charlotte ToolBank participated in Carolinas Veterans Day Festival in November! They provided free lawn bags to help collect leaves which were provided by Lowe’s Home Improvement. The Veterans Day event connected partners in the community with Veterans trying to navigate employment, help to create social connections among families, and connect them to the resources needed to be successful in the community. Huge thank you to Veterans Bridge Home for organizing this amazing event and Truist for sponsoring!
Cincinnati ToolBank Update:
The Cincinnati ToolBank provided tools to their friends at the Cincinnati Parks and MadTree Brewing. Madtree’s team planted 40 new trees, removed invasive species, and many other landscaping projects at Inwood Park. These trees will provide much needed shade in the summer heat and will add canopy coverage in one of our urban neighborhoods.
Houston ToolBank Update:
Houston’s Blue Tools assisted volunteers from HCC Southeast College at The 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Marisa, Patrick and Pedro did an amazing job sprucing up our 1942 Lockheed Lodestar N31G. Their hard work will help preserve the Lodestar, a centerpiece of our business aviation collection, for future visitors. Special thanks to the museum staff and volunteers for their guidance, and Houston East End Chamber for the member connection.
Phoenix ToolBank Update:
The Phoenix ToolBank provided the tools for a Community clean-up event. These events would not be possible without the right tools, incredible community leaders, and volunteers! 19 North is the Phoenix community spanning Dunlap to Montebello Avenues and 23rd to 15th Avenue. But more importantly, it’s the name of a community that is collaborating together on a shared vision to create, “A Safe, Walkable Community For ALL to Enjoy”.
Richmond ToolBank
The Richmond ToolBank took on the challenge of building outdoor classrooms for every school that wants them. They knew that teachers and learners were looking for opportunities to bring the instruction experience outdoors. With picnic tables being sent out to schools it is great to see students enjoying their new outdoor learning spaces moments after the tables were delivered. Having the ability to work outside gives the students the perfect opportunity to focus on their 5 senses as they practiced some breathing strategies. For more information about Richmond’s Building Change program, visit https://richmondtoolbank.org/build/.
Windy City ToolBank
New ED hired: Jim (James) Flory will begin his new role as the Windy City ToolBank Executive Director in January 2022. Jim comes with much knowledge of ToolBank has he worked closely with our ToolBank Disaster Services program in Atlanta. Jim will be moving back to the Chicago area early next year. After serving 3 years in the Navy, Jim was a firefighter at the Mount Prospect Fire Department for 29 years, and was promoted to Lieutenant after his long tenure with the department. He joined Team Rubicon and worked, both globally and domestically, in several leadership roles. He brings a lot of knowledge about nonprofit work, volunteers, and most importantly tools! We are extremely excited to have Jim join the ToolBank Network and help us rebuild our Chicago presence.
