Community Forklift

Feb 18th: Only 11 days left to vote Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:56:39 +0000

Dear Forklift Fans:

Please vote Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

in the City Paper’s 2012 contest!

If you’re really feeling the love for the ‘Lift, please ask your friends to vote too! Share this post on facebook/twitter/community listserves, etc. The contest ends at the end of February.

As a thrift store for home improvement supplies, one of our biggest challenges is that renovators don’t know they can donate instead of dumping. But if we win the City Paper’s “Best of DC” contest, it means thousands of dollars worth of free publicity!!!

If more folks learn about us, more materials will be donated. This means more reusable items will be kept out of the landfill, more people will be able to afford repairs, more local green jobs will be created…and of course, you’ll find more good stuff here in the store!

Please vote now!

A few seconds of your time will make a big difference for for our nonprofit operation.

Thanks so much,

The Community Forklifters

(Nancy, Keith, Ruthie, Christine, Freddy, Doug, Matt, Katherine, Jimmy, Ricky, Curtis, Terry, Kitty, John, Alex, Bea, Matt, Anthony, Debby, Nick, Sean, and Jim)

Six Fabulous Ideas for Repurposed Shutters

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:51:23 +0000

Shutters are half off this month. You’re not redoing your windows? No problem – these building materials have tons of other creative uses. We’ve rounded up a few for you…

Shutter Console Table

With some 1x4s, table legs, and paint, you can turn a shutter into a unique side table. Everyone knows about turning repurposed doors into desks, but this project is an unusual variation.

Find the full instructions at hgtv.com

Cork Message Board

Find a shutter with space for a curtain? Grab an old cork board (or maybe some chalkboard or whiteboard paint) and make yourself a rustic-chic message board! Get more pictures and instructions at lumberjocks.com

Shutter Magazine Rack

One of the cleverest uses I’ve seen for the louvered design of shutters! Detailed instructions and lots of pictures over on My Repurposed Life (which has lots of other ideas sure to inspire Forklift Fans).

Shutter Side Table

Find four matching shutters? Turn them into a funky side table! Search our stone or countertop sections to find a really unique tabletop to finish it off. Instructions over at Good Housekeeping.

Shutter Ceiling

Got an entire room to work with? Maybe a restaurant, a cabin, a porch? Check out what this Sacramento bar/restaurant did with old shutters! From the Dishfunctional Design blog – you’ll find a whole world of shutter ideas over on their page.

These ideas are just jumping-off points. We know we have an amazingly creative community. What will you do with your shutters? Submit photos of your repurposed shutters or share your favorite ideas in the comments!

Please nominate Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:57:26 +0000

Dear Forklift Fans:

Please vote Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

in the City Paper’s 2012 contest!

Please vote now!

A few seconds of your time will make a big difference for Community Forklift (We will be especially grateful if you share this with your friends, and ask them to vote too).

Thanks so much,

The Community Forklifters

(Nancy, Keith, Ruthie, Christine, Freddy, Doug, Matt, Katherine, Jimmy, Ricky, Curtis, Terry, Kitty, John, Alex, Bea, Matt, Anthony, Debby, Nick, Sean, and Jim)

Amazing donation just arrived – a huge truckload of brand-new eco-friendly flooring

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:14:04 +0000

Wow! We have received pallets and pallets of surplus eco-friendly marmoleum flooring, still in the box.

These are true linoleum tiles like your grandparents might have had in their kitchen, which means the tiles are made out of linseed oil and other natural and renewable ingredients. So, unlike ordinary vinyl flooring, there is no off-gassing of toxic chemicals in your house! It’s also incredibly durable and easy to maintain (it’s naturally anti-microbial and anti-static). A variety of beautiful colors, too – including slate gray, dove blue, a cheerful light yellow, and a nice neutral tan. More info on the manufacturer at http://www.forboflooringna.com/Residential-Flooring/Products/Marmoleum-sheet-tile/

Please come visit us soon, as this will go quickly. And spread the word to your friends and neighborhood listserves - especially if you know someone with chemical sensitivities, allergies, or asthma who is renovating and needs materials that won’t harm them.

Community Forklift price: Forbo Marmoleum floor tiles

* 18″ & 19.5″ squares for $4 each

* 13″ tiles for $2 each

(How does that compare to retail value? Well, our price is $1.52 to $1.77 per square foot. According to our research, you can sometimes find the marmoleum tiles on sale at a Forbo distributor for $3.45 per square foot, but the regular retail price can range as high as $$6.25 per square foot – that’s $16 for each large tile!)

Now Hiring Experienced Administrative Professional to work with our Chief Operating Officer

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:30:45 +0000

Operations Administrative Assistant

This is a part-time position working with the Chief Operating Officer of a growing green business in Prince George’s County. We are seeking a candidate who is entrepreneurial, highly organized, detail oriented, mission-driven, self-motivated and who welcomes challenges. The position will provide assistance and support with programming, planning, financial and administrative duties from simple to complex. We prefer to hire someone with experience and background in business or nonprofit management. This is not an entry level position. Opportunity for advancement.

We need someone who:
• Is professional and takes an enterprising approach to position and tasks;
• Has positive and productive outlook, enthusiastic and high energy;
• Has excellent computer skills;
• Has strong written and oral communication skills;
• Is able to manage multiple and competing priorities in an effective and flexible manner;
• Has strong organizational skills and high attention to detail and accuracy;
• Is able to complete projects independently and as part of team;
• Has strong problem solving and research skills;
• Is a fast learner;
• Has good people skills and sense of humor.

Candidates must be committed to Community Forklift’s mission to:
• Reduce waste and conserve natural resources;
• Make home repairs and renovation more affordable and support community revitalization;
• Promote environmentally friendly building materials and methods through education and training;
• Provide local green jobs and support green economic development;
• Enhance community and environmental sustainability through supporting creativity, diversity and productive relations

Please send your resume and a cover letter to CooCommunityForklift(at)gmail.com, fax to 301-985-5182, or mail to 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston MD 20781.

Location: Hyattsville, MD
Compensation: Approximately $15 per hour plus some benefits
This is a part-time job.
This is at a non-profit organization.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Now hiring! We’re looking for a Reuse Associate who is friendly, attentive to detail, and enjoys physical work

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:11:09 +0000

We’re growing again and we need more help – please spread the word! People from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply.

Position Title: Reuse Associate

Company: Community Forklift, Thrift Store for Home Improvement

Location: Inside the Washington Beltway, 5 minutes from DC in the Hyattsville area

Community Forklift is lifting up communities

At our home improvement thrift store, we accept donations of new, gently-used, and vintage building materials, and sell them at very low prices. We are a socially and environmentally responsible business with a nonprofit mission. Our goals are to encourage community revitalization by:
• making repairs more affordable for low-income individuals, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits;
• creating local jobs and economic growth;
• keeping reusable items out of the landfill; and
• reducing demand for virgin material
• fostering a sustainable and healthy community

We are located in Edmonston, Maryland, in the Hyattsville area (inside the Washington Beltway). For directions and more information, check out our website, www.CommunityForklift.com

About You

We are seeking an energetic, hardworking, and friendly person with excellent people skills. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We need a Reuse Associate who:

• has knowledge and/or experience and interest in building materials and/or construction
• has experience in a retail store or working directly with customers
• has strong English speaking skills; strong Spanish speaking and writing skills are a BIG plus
• will be friendly, patient and courteous while assisting customers and donors
• Not only tolerates but *enjoys* being around a very diverse range of people (our staff, customers, and donors come from all walks of life)
• Is committed to our mission and values
• is interested in green building or environmentally sustainable business
• is able to work in a busy environment with attention to detail
• is able to do physical labor, and moderate to heavy lifting in all seasons (the warehouse is NOT temperature controlled)

About the Position

This is what we want you to do:

• Provide a high level of customer assistance and information
• Check customers out at the cash register and assist them with any related questions or needs
• Answer the phone and provide information on the store, store policy, directions, our products, and other recycling & reuse options
• Assist with unloading and moving building materials in our warehouse
• Accept donations at the loading dock :
o Identify acceptable and unacceptable materials
o Ensure that all donations have all parts and pieces labeled and attached
o Fill out tax forms for donors
• A big plus: ability to gather information from donors and customers (for example, stories about where historic materials came from, or stories about how customers plan to re-use the items)
• Assist in labeling product and stocking shelves
• Assist in the cleaning and organization of product and store displays
• Depending on skill — help build displays, repair/disassemble product, provide carpentry assistance with various projects
• Work cooperatively with other staff to fulfill the mission of Community Forklift;
• Participate enthusiastically in organizational activities and meetings
• Provide clear and direct communication about challenges and concerns to supervisors and co-workers
• Have a clear commitment to the CF mission and be willing to go the extra mile.

We Offer:

• Starting hourly wage: $11
• 40% employee discount on CF store materials (consignment products not included)
• Free vision insurance
• Work shoe allowance
• Paid leave after probationary period
• Opportunity to contribute to improving the environment and the community
• Significant opportunity for growth

As a small start-up organization, we think this is a fun place to work! You will learn firsthand about the challenges of running a sustainable business / nonprofit, you can gain experience in a variety of areas, and you won’t be stuck behind a desk. As our business grows, we want you to grow with us!

This is a part-time position approximately 15 — 20 hours per week. We are seeking someone with weekend and weekday daytime availability. The schedule for this position is likely to be Tuesday, Friday and Sunday hours. Our work week is currently Tuesday – Sunday.

We’re 5 minutes from the DC line – easily accessible from I-295, Kenilworth Ave, and Route 1 / Rhode Island Ave. It’s within walking distance of several bus lines and bike paths.

To Apply:

E-mail your resume and a cover letter to CooCommunityForklift(at)gmail.com, fax to 301-985-5182, or mail to 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston MD 20781.

Location: Hyattsville, MD
Compensation: Hourly: $11
This is a part-time job – although you may have the option to become full-time eventually, as our business grows.
This is at a non-profit organization.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

NARI honors Community Forklift with 2011 Image Award

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:40:31 +0000

Community Forklift Receives

DC Metro National Association of Remodeling Industries’ 2011 Image Award

Unusual Local Business Helps Remodeling Industry to Go Green

For Immediate Release – February 3, 2012 – Edmonston, MD – Community Forklift, the DC area’s largest nonprofit thrift store for home improvement, was presented with one of the local remodeling industries’ most prestigious awards: the Image Award for service. Every year the National Association of Remodeling Industries (NARI) Metro DC Chapter honors its members for their service to the remodeling industry.

Designed to recognize members who have made significant contributions to the public image of NARI and the Metro DC Chapter, Community Forklift received the 2011 Image Award because of the enormous contributions it has made helping the remodeling industry “go green”. Community Forklift’s mission to recover building materials that can be reused instead of thrown away has taken hold within the industry.

Community Forklift picks up donations free of charge from local businesses, contractors, and individual homeowners in the greater DC metropolitan region. Recovered items are resold in its 40,000 square-foot warehouse thrift store, and donated to local nonprofits and individuals in need. Materials include everything from kitchen sinks and cabinets to landscaping materials, tools, and architectural salvage.

Jonas Carnemark is founder of CARNEMARK Systems & Design, Inc., and winner of several of this year’s professional remodeling awards. His company is one of the Forklift’s top corporate donors. He says, “We work with Community Forklift on nearly all of our projects. As a result of this partnership we are able to promote our green building practices, donate valuable materials for resale, and reduce our overall project costs, making it a win-win for everyone involved.”

Nancy Meyer, Community Forklift’s Chief Operating Officer was on hand to accept the award. “We are excited to be recognized for our efforts to recover and reuse building materials generated by the remodeling industry. Much of what they generally throw away can be reused by others, particularly low-income households that might otherwise be unable to make repairs or improve their properties due to the high cost of new materials.”

The staff and volunteers of Community Forklift are honored to receive this year’s NARI Metro Chapter’s Image Award. In 2012, they plan to establish more partnerships within the remodeling industry in order to expand reuse in the region.

About Community Forklift:
Community Forklift is a nonprofit reuse center for home improvement & architectural salvage. It accepts donations of new, gently-used, and vintage building materials like cabinets, mantels, doors, and lumber. The renovation supplies are then made available to the public at very low prices (40% to 90% below big-box stores), and donated to local nonprofits. To improve its financial stability, the organization has also brought in consignment partners to offer higher-end products: unusual antiques & primitives, raw-edge hardwoods, & reconditioned appliances. The program is owned & operated by local 501c3 nonprofit Sustainable Community Initiatives, so donations are tax-deductible.

Community Forklift’s name refers to the organization’s mission: to lift up local communities. Since opening in 2005, Community Forklift has made it possible for thousands of local homeowners and nonprofits to repair substandard housing. Not only have 18 green jobs been created at the store, but hundreds of local contractors have been able to keep their estimates low, allowing them to attract clients and keep working despite the tough economy. Reuse of materials also means that fewer materials go into the landfill (reducing the financial burden on local governments); and that less energy is used to extract, manufacture, and transport new materials. Community Forklift is better for our wallets and our world!

###

For more info, contact:

Ruthie Mundell, Director of Outreach and Education Director

301.904.7579 / Ruthie@CommunityForklift.com

www.CommunityForklift.com

February Sales

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:26 +0000

How long will this spring-like weather last? We don’t know, so better seize the moment and start those house projects now! Here are your sales for the month of February:

50% off Mantels

Take half off the orange price tag on mantels priced at $300 or less

(Sale does not apply to mantels with white price tags, mantels with missing or damaged price tags, or to other types of fireplace surrounds or equipment)

50% off Fireplace Screens

Take 50% off salvaged fireplace screens with orange price tags of $40 or less.

(Sale does not apply to select specialty items, cast iron items, other fireplace accessories, fireplace inserts, grates, and screens with damaged or missing price tags.).

50% off Shutters & Window Treatments

Take 50% off the orange price tag on salvaged interior and exterior shutters, blinds, shades, curtains, curtain rods, and accessories

(Sale does not apply to select specialty items, louvered doors, plantation shutters or blinds, windows, frames, trim, items with white price tags, or items with damaged or missing price tags)

50% off Office Furniture

Take half off office furniture with orange price tags of $100 or less.

Sale includes:

Metal & particle-board office furniture with orange price tags of $100 or less, such as

• File cabinets,

• Media cabinets,

• Bookshelves

• Desks

Sale does NOT include:

• Solid wood furniture

• Select specialty, vintage or surplus pieces

• Trunks or card catalogs

• Flat files/map files

• Light tables/ drafting tables

• Lockers and schoolhouse furniture

• Individual shelf boards

• Kitchen, bathroom, or living room cabinetry

• Items with missing or damaged price tags,

• Items from our consignment partners

$5 each for 5-gallon buckets of…

sealant, roofing tar, adhesives, stain, & color paint

They retail for $40-$150, and we usually sell them for $25 each. But right now, they’re just $5 each!

(Sale does NOT apply to white or off-white paint, primer, or other sizes of paint cans).

Toilets & Urinals $5-$10 each

Pay just $5 for toilets & urinals with orange price tags of $15 or less. Pay just $10 for toilets & urinals with orange price tags of $45 or less.

(Sale does not include plumbing parts, toilet lids and seats, and toilets & urinals with missing or damaged price tags).

Bricks with chunks of mortar: Just a nickel apiece!

Bricks are normally $0.25 – $0.30 each. This month, pay just a nickel each for bricks with chunks of mortar.

(Sale does not apply to brick with traces of mortar; unused brick; select specialty, decorative, and antique brick; landscaping stone; and other types of masonry).

Storewide Flash Sale: 25% Off

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:16:35 +0000

Are you loving these weekend sales? This weekend looks like it’s going to be beautiful, and that means home projects, yard projects, and a trip to Community Forklift to find some discount treasures!

Saturday Jan 28 and Sunday Jan 29, enjoy 25% off all Community Forklift items. You know the drill: sale does not apply to items from our consignment partners, cannot be combined with other sales, and you are responsible for loading all purchases.

You can share your awesome finds with the world on our twitter feed – just send us a tweet @CommForklift! (And if you’re not following us, now would be a great time to start! We post interesting items as they come in, and you can get the scoop on great deals and upcoming sales.)

Flash Sale!!!! This weekend only, save 35% storewide

Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement and Architectural Salvage — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:00:12 +0000

On Sat. Jan 21^st & Sun. Jan 22^nd, take 35% off the regular price on all Community Forklift items. It’s a great reason to come on over and poke around the warehouse – see what treasures you turn up!

(Sale does not apply to items from our consignment partners. Discount cannot be combined with other sales. Remember, YOU are responsible for loading purchases into your vehicle).