The Green Chair Project

You've probably been past it a billion times on Capital Boulevard as you head into downtown Raleigh.  And, like me, you probably didn't know much about it.

This past week, I was looking for something to tell you all about on my show, and I saw information on The Green Chair's sale they have open to the public.  It just happened to be this past weekend, and, as we moved into a bigger house a few months back, we're looking for furniture and home accessories.  I thought I would check this place out, since I've always been curious.

I had zero idea about Green Chair, or the good works they do.  But what I learned, as I Googled on my way to the sale, was that they are local people who help those who have been homeless and are just getting into residences, or those who are recovering from disasters.  They help our neighbors select furniture and accessories for their homes with dignity and respect.  People who need the help and great goods.  And, whatever they have leftover, they sell in an open-to-the-public sale four times a year.

High-end furniture is represented at this sale, knick-knacks, glassware.  Sets of China, tables, lamps, sofas, chairs.  We got an awesome old rocking chair for our living room that was otherwise empty looking.  And, it was only $85!

You know when you find stuff like that on Craigslist people always jack up the price, or when you go to one of those "estate" places it's super expensive.  But not The Green Chair Project.  It was not only reasonable, it was really heavy, quality-built, and we had a field day in there.  I also grabbed this weird egg-crudite thing.  It's probably not that old, but as someone who loves vintage, I like to pretend it probably is:

It was just eight bucks!  We also scored some cool 60s vintage coasters and as we left, asked when the next sale was.  It's in June--and you should go.

But, what made me feel the best was that this is a charity I have driven by many, many times, and never given a second thought to.  When I learned about it, I loved that, as someone who loves and regularly buys locally sourced goods and services, The Green Chair Project was started by a local realtor and has continued to give back since 2010.  The stuff they sell to the public is in no way junk, and the stuff they don't sell to the public--the things the folks getting back on their feet get to choose from--is high quality, too.  They are always accepting donations, and instead of some other places or drop-off boxes for other charities, I will be giving to The Green Chair when it's time to give up pots and pans and good quality furniture.  Learn more here:  The Green Chair Project and make sure you hit up their next open-to-the-public sale.  You'll feel like you're getting a bargain and feel good about yourself, all rolled into one.