An art workshop organized by the local 8th & I unit of national nonprofit The Young Marines featured a creative reuse element: over 50 15” x 15” picture frames from Community Forklift’s reuse warehouse! Donated through our Community Building Blocks (CBB) program, the frames now enhance the artwork created by the 8th & I workshop participants — a much better fate than ending up in a landfill.
Called a Stamp Workshop, the event took place at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC. After learning about the history of the U.S. Postal Service; elements of U.S. stamps; and symbols, words, and images that reflect the values of the U.S. Marine Corp and Young Marines, workshop participants designed their very own Marine-themed stamps.
Artist and longtime Forklift Fan Kasse Andrews-Weller and the 8th & I Unit Commander, Joseph Garcia, organized the workshop. Kasse knows the importance of framing artwork and how expensive it can be, and she knew that she could count on Community Forklift to get some supplies.
“With the frames you have donated, our young Marines will have the opportunity to display their artwork proudly and showcase their creativity. Your contribution not only provides a platform for them to express their artistic abilities but also encourages them to explore their talents beyond their physical capabilities,” Joseph said. “Seeing the children proud of their artwork and witnessing their enthusiasm during the workshop has inspired us to continue fostering their creative abilities.”
The Young Marines is a national 501(c)3 youth education and service nonprofit for boys and girls aged eight through high school graduation. The goal of The Young Marines is strengthening the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
“Your support has motivated us to organize more art-related activities, as we recognize the positive influence it has on the young Marines. Once again, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your generosity,” Joseph said. “Your donation of frames has made a significant difference in the success of our art workshop, and it will continue to inspire our young Marines to explore their artistic talents. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our organization and the community.”
Community Forklift’s CBB program provides mini-grants of store credit to community groups and nonprofits for projects that serve the greater community. Since 2011, Community Forklift has worked with around 500 organizations and provided over $340,000 worth of materials. Please visit our website for more information and to apply.
“Your donation of frames has made a significant difference in the success of our art workshop, and it will continue to inspire our young Marines to explore their artistic talents. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our organization and the community.”
Every time you donate or shop at Community Forklift, you’re helping us lift up local communities through reuse. We turn the construction waste stream into a resource stream for communities in the DC region – by keeping perfectly good items out of the landfill, preserving historical materials, providing low-cost building supplies, and creating local green jobs.
