Wood into Food, a way to give back

[Dan Bowman]

I've been mulling over an idea and wanted to throw it out for comments. I've only been making sawdust for a couple years, so am still learning (where'd that board stretcher go?), but I find I don't have enough family and friends to absorb the various things I make. Unless you woodwork for a living, I suspect many of you are the same - you make things to learn and for the simple satisfaction of doing. Perhaps we can use our passion to help our local community by offering items for a charity fundraiser. My wife's pottery guild makes bowls for a "Stone Soup" fundraising event sponsored by Raleigh's Urban Ministries, and it seems to be quite successful. Would the NCWW members be interested in co-sponsoring a similar fundraiser by donating (I hate to use the term excess) wood items? Can we turn Wood into Food? It could be boxes, furniture, bowls, pens, toys, or anything we make. I am sensitive that professionals might see this as potentially damaging their market, but also know the good it can bring to those less fortunate, and to NCWW. So please post and let me know if there's interest, concern, or even opposition. Thanks for reading.

 

[Ray Martin]

Dan,

I think this is a terrific idea. I suspect that loads of us try to "give back" in one way or another. This is a way to get rid of the things we built but don't have a home for, and make room to build more. We can all do some good without having to carve out time to do so... we're all going to be in the shop anyway. I think shop time would be more satisfying if we knew our efforts would go to some worthy cause.

If there is a charitable craft fair of some sort in the area, maybe we could get the OK to put up a table or booth to sell things... of just donate things to be sold. I'd be happy to contribute a few items.

 

[Sealeveler]

An excellent idea there.I don't have any excess but later on could carve or scroll something if there was an interest in that category.Tony

 

[DaveO]

I love the idea. I get more pleasure out of making something to give to someone or for my house than anything else. My woodworking output has slowed down partially for the lack of need. If I could enjoy sometime in the shop and make something that would benefit others, I would be all for it.
Do you have any particular organizations in mind? I would like to see maximum utilization of the contribution, and keep it as local as possible.
Great suggestion, you have my support!

Dave

 

[Travis Porter]

I'm in. I am not sure for what or how, but I am in.

 

[Mark Stewart]

Sounds Great keep me poasted. Thanks Mark

 

[Trent Mason]

Dan,

That is one of the coolest ideas I've ever heard. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap I was just thinking about that last night. We're delivering the Christmas presents for my folks, my sister and brother in law this weekend in Charlotte. For my dad, I was considering either an "interesting" looking clock that I made, or the first pen I ever turned (at Skeeter's house two weeks ago). I was really proud of that pen and someone at work said that "you should always keep the first thing you make of everything for yourself." I respectfully disagreed. I don't really make things for myself. If so, they are so rudimentary and simple. Just to serve a purpose. Nothing aesthetic. When making things for others, I really put the thinking cap on and try to create something unique that someone else would really like. It really brings out the creative juices and that is when I am the most happy in woodworking. Some of the best times I've ever had in the shop were simply standing there and thinking about what to do with a project, not lifting a finger, just standing there, chin resting on fist, just letting my mind explore.... :eusa_thin

Count me in for sure. :thumbs_up:thumbs_up I can't wait to make something for it, but I'd be happy to help with the planning in any way that I can.

I am sensitive that professionals might see this as potentially damaging their market

If that's what being a professional means, then I want to be an amateur forever. :thumbs_up:thumbs_up

 

[Tom from Clayton]

I agree, this is a marvelous idea. Let me recommend a couple of state agencies that I have been involved in at the local level. Special Olympics of North Carolina (www.sonc.net) and The Arc of North Carolina (www.arcnc.org). Both of these non profits are for the intellectually disabled. I have been doing fund raising and volunteer work for the Johnston County chapter of each since coming to North Carolina around 9 years ago.

I could continue on and on about this idea of Dan's and think it would make a great topic to discuss perhaps at the annual picnic that I read about recently. I am planning on retiring this summer and would be willing to volunteer some my time if this project grows legs.

Let's not let it drop.

Regards,

Tom from Clayton

 

[PChristy]

I am in :icon_thum

 

[sawduster]

Put me on the list as well :icon_thum

 

[LeftyTom]

I am in for a small shelf, or something similar.

 

[cpowell]

I love the idea. I get more pleasure out of making something to give to someone or for my house than anything else. My woodworking output has slowed down partially for the lack of need. If I could enjoy sometime in the shop and make something that would benefit others, I would be all for it.
Do you have any particular organizations in mind? I would like to see maximum utilization of the contribution, and keep it as local as possible.
Great suggestion, you have my support!

Dave

+1

Maximum contribution utilization and local.

I'd like to help folks who really need the basics - food, clothing, shelter.

I couldn't imagine anybody paying for something I make but will help out however I can with this effort.


Chuck

 

[Phil S]

I am in.
:icon_cheersThis will be a great project. I have been involved in a few craft sales with the proceeds going to outreach programs. The graditude and warm thanks you will receive for helping bring food, clothing and shelter are well worth the time you will spend.

Are you thinking of selling these items at a craft fair like the Cary arts sale?

phil

 

[JackLeg]

I agree, this is a marvelous idea. Let me recommend a couple of state agencies that I have been involved in at the local level. Special Olympics of North Carolina (www.sonc.net) and The Arc of North Carolina (www.arcnc.org). Both of these non profits are for the intellectually disabled. I have been doing fund raising and volunteer work for the Johnston County chapter of each since coming to North Carolina around 9 years ago.

I could continue on and on about this idea of Dan's and think it would make a great topic to discuss perhaps at the annual picnic that I read about recently. I am planning on retiring this summer and would be willing to volunteer some my time if this project grows legs.

Let's not let it drop.

Regards,

Tom from Clayton

I'm in.:icon_thum Mary is on the board of ARC in Stanly County.

 

[Tom from Clayton]

I'm really not sure the best way to go about this. Craft fairs would be a logical choice. If I have learned to attach a picture properly I can show you what I am donating to the NC chapter of FRAXA which is a non profit funding research into Fragile X syndrome which both of my sons have.

View image in gallery​

Hey! That's not too hard. Among the many things I'm not very good at, you can add photography to the list. Anyway, this rocking horse is from Wood Magazine several years ago. It will be part of a silent auction at the FRAXA annual dinner later this year.

It's made from walnut, maple and mahogany purchased from the Wake County Hardwood store in Zebulon.

Tom from Clayton

 

[Dan Bowman]

I've given some thought to a venue. Certainly craft fairs are one way to put our work in front of an audience. But that audience is limited to retail shoppers, and then a subset of those shoppers interested in woodworking. By partnering with an organization that already has an established donor base, mailing list, and experience with fundraisers, we put our work in front of patrons who are both looking to purchase a nice piece of woodworking and donate to a worthy cause, all as part of an "event". They are presold on the idea of buying, and at a realistic price. The challenge, then, is to identify which organization(s) to partner with. I personally would like to see the proceeds go towards food programs, but would be happy with almost any recipient consistent with the ideals of the NCWW membership.

 

[CrealBilly]

Last time I eat a piece of wood it was really high in fiber and rather hard to chew.

The Durham Rescue Mission is a good one I've met Mr. Mills.

 

[ashley_phil]

this is a great idea. i'd be glad to help.

in charlotte a similar thing has been going on for awhile with "One Special Christmas" but it provides Christmas gifts rather than food.

CWA and Charlotte Turners are now meeting at Jackson Park Ministries and we've made stuff for their auction in the fall as well.