Ever since the events of the summer of 2020, Simple Thread has made contributions to organizations which either support police reform or support communities of color. This process has been rewarding for our team as we’ve identified ways to support our community. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to share some of the great organizations that we contributed to, with the hope that others will consider supporting them as well.

June 2020 – Campaign Zero — Committed to changing police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability. Campaign Zero encourages policymakers to focus on solutions with the strongest evidence of effectiveness at reducing police violence.

July 2020 – Equal Justice Initiative — Committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. EJI was founded by Bryan Stevensen, author of Just Mercy.

August 2020 – The Southern Poverty Law Center — SPLC has been a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond since 1971 and creates change by fighting hate, teaching tolerance, and seeking justice.

September 2020 – Girls for a Change — Channeling the essence of “be the change you want to see in the world” right here in Richmond, VA. GFC helps our next generation of female leaders to learn the skills to envision, discover, develop and innovate social change in their communities. Also, their CEO Angela Patton is one of the most inspirational and admirable people we know and we are humbled by her commitment in serving others.

October 2020 – The Giving Wall — It doesn’t take much searching to find “the two Americas.” Sometimes the difference from one to the other is as simple as a course fee, a pair of work boots, or paying down a past-due bill. The team at The Giving Wall is seeking to build stronger communities by bridging those in need to those who want to help through a crucial vetting process for all needs.We are fortunate to have helped partner with The Giving Wall on their mission of charity and community.

November 2020 – YMCA of Richmond — Virtual learning has strained the learning process for many children. While parents of frontline workers need a little extra support, the Y is helping guide and keep virtual students engaged in their learning for some of Central Virginia’s most vulnerable families.

December 2020 – Richmond Community Toolbank — With non-profits stretched to their fiscal limits, every penny saved can be poured into programming needs. Richmond’s Toolbank is a 10,000 square foot lending library of hand tools, power tools, and event equipment (tables, chairs, tents, etc.) meant to reduce barriers to any charitably intended work across the region. From providing city schools with outdoor classrooms, to fixing up homes and greenspaces, to combating disproportionate heat indexes due to urban canopy blight in historically redlined neighborhoods through tree-planting programs, the Toolbank is reducing barriers to creating more equity across our region.

January 2021 – Generation Citizen — If the events in Washington DC on January 6th, 2021 showed us anything, it was that there is a critical need for responsive government and civics education. Generation Citizen works to educate our next generation to better understand democracy in order to uphold justice and equity for all in the decades to come.

February 2021 – The King Center — More than just a memorial to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, The King Center is an energetically-engaged educational and social change institution. The Center prepares global citizens to create a more just, humane and peaceful world using Dr. King’s nonviolent philosophy and methodology.

March 2021 – Houston Food Bank — We have an employee on the team in Houston. With the severe fallout from Winter Storm Uri, many of Houston’s most vulnerable were without food at one of the city’s hardest times. Due to power outages, the food bank lost many supplies, all while running a COVID program, a freeze recovery program, as well as their normal food bank operations.

April 2021 – Health Brigade — The costs of healthcare are skyrocketing and for our most vulnerable the equitable access to care is a growing problem. Health Brigade provides exceptional health services to those least served in a caring and non-judgmental environment.

May 2021 – ReEstablish Richmond — ReEstablish connects refugees and new immigrants to the resources needed to establish roots, build community, and become self-sufficient members of our community.

June 2021 – Virginia Early Childhood Foundation — Education is a crucial component to opportunity. VECF is building strategic and sustained focus on the healthy development and school readiness of our youngest children.

July 2021 – YMCA of Greater Richmond Bright Beginnings — Bright Beginnings ensures children in our community are prepared and confident for the school year by providing them with a backpack, school supplies, a hygiene bag, and brand new winter warm-up clothing items.

August 2021 – YMCA of Greater Richmond Bright Beginnings — Bright Beginnings ensures children in our community are prepared and confident for the school year by providing them with a backpack, school supplies, a hygiene bag, and brand new winter warm-up clothing items.

September 2021 – Red Cross for Hurricane Ida Relief — The American Red Cross continues to work alongside our partners to deliver vital aid to people still struggling with the heartbreaking damage left behind. 

October 2021 – International Rescue Committee for Afghan Refugees — IRC is helping refugees who have been granted sanctuary in the United States become self-sufficient, productive members of their new communities. 

If you know of other organizations that we should consider donating to, please reach out or leave us a comment. Thank you in advance!