Intro
A group of volunteer weavers transforms recycled materials into new products to raise money for charity.
In a corner brick building in downtown Sanford, North Carolina volunteer weavers are tending to their looms creating bags, blankets and towels from donated materials to raise money for charities across Lee County. UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina producer Jeff Smith spotlights this volunteer group called Common Thread.
"I am amazed at what these women and men can do and I think it has been very therapeutic for them too."
Carol Carlson
Volunteer, Common Thread
The Approach
It truly takes a village to achieve the mission at Common Thread. This nonprofit based in Sanford, NC is home to a warehouse of donated materials and a special group of volunteers that turn literal rags to charitable riches.
Weavers at Common Thread, a nonprofit weaving classroom and studio, pull from a warehouse of donated materials including fabrics, plastics and more and transform them into purses, scarves, blankets and towels. Rather than recycling plastic grocery bags and tablecloths they can be dropped off to Common Thread where they will be woven into fashionable and functional purses.
The staff consisting entirely of volunteers creates products that can be sold to help raise money for charities across Lee County. This ability to give back to their community is a driving force behind the participation of many volunteers at the studio.
All are welcome to stop by the studio to take a class, purchase items from the retail store or get behind a loom as a volunteer.