Past Events
Check out the first 5 years of Support the Port’s community engagement programs and initiatives.
Past Programs + Community Initiatives
Stop the Violence One Sign at a Time
Support The Port Foundation, Inc. partners up with businesses to bring the citizens of Wilmington, N.C. a vision the city can believe in with the Stop The Violence One Sign at a Time Project. The One Sign at a Time Project consist of signs saying "Stop The Violence" mounted all around the city of Wilmington. These signs create a new positive vibe that the community can build off of. It will also create awareness about Support The Port and other sponsors that are focus on uplifting the community of Wilmington, NC. Having the sign in your front yard will silently say you are against the violence in your community.
Fresh Chance Friday
Support The Port Foundation, Inc seeks to educate, encourage, and promote progression towards positive steps in moving forward to citizens and reformed citizens of the New Hanover County community with “Fresh Chance Friday”.
Fresh Chance Friday directs attendees to career development programs, give them the opportunity to speak to prospective employers, and to educate them on the process in determining eligibility for an expunction. New Hanover County’s NAACP register citizens to vote. There is also a “Dress to Impress” section where attendees can find new/gently used business attire to take home with them.
So Fresh, and So Clean Saturday
In partnership with Vigilant Hope, Support the Port helped feed, clean, and clothe the unhoused citizens of Wilmington every 3rd Saturday of the month at Greenfield Lake, from 8:00am-1:00pm (or until supplies last). Kicking off the day with breakfast, those served enjoyed hot showers, provided by Vigilant Hope’s shower trailer, followed by a “Street Store” for unhoused residents to shop a selection of free clothing. Thanks to the support of local volunteers additional activities included free essential item toiletry bags and free haircuts for men, with the day concluded by a hearty meal for lunch.
Dress to Impress
Support The Port Foundation, Inc. collected ties and new or gently used business attire in Wilmington for young adults and those seeking employment during their Dress to Impress Clothing Drive. During January and February, Support The Port partnered with local business throughout the Port City to serve as drop-off locations.
Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive and Feeding the Homeless
To provide a helping hand for families with limited resources during the holidays, Support the Port Foundation, Inc. partnered with several local businesses in the ILM region. Made possible by donation boxes around the city to collect canned goods and non-perishable items from community citizens, both Support The Port Foundation, Inc. and New Covenant Holiness Church fed those in need on the final day of the annual drive.
Donation drop off box locations included Coastal Kicks, New Covenant Holiness Church and the Community Boys & Girls Club.
Christmas Toy Drive
Support The Port Foundation, Inc. partners with multiple organizations around the Wilmington area to provide a helping hand for families in need during the holidays. Starting after Thanksgiving. Support The Port Foundation, Inc. puts donation boxes around the city of Wilmington that citizens of the community can donate toys and New to gently used clothes.
Donation Drop Off Box Locations:
Coastal Kicks - 271 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
New Covenant Holiness Church - 1020 Dawson St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Community Boys & Girls Club - 901 Nixon St, Wilmington, NC 28401
This Drive usually ends a week before Christmas.
A Queen for a Queen
Support The Port Foundation, Inc teamed up with The Good Sleep Mattress Co. to provide a Queen size bed for a Queen preparing to move out of the Domestic Violence Shelter and into her new home and calling it the “Queen For A Queen” project.
“Here I get to sleep in my bed, instead of under it.” These powerful words came from a five year old child who once received shelter through Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. Last year alone, DVSS served a total of 1,371 men women and children. Of these, 115 women, 3 men, and 84 children received emergency shelter, as they no longer felt safe in their homes. Domestic violence is a problem that touches many in our community, and we also know that the impact it has on families can be lasting. The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as, “a pattern of coercive behavior in which one person attempts to control another through threats or actual use of tactics, which may include any or all of the following: physical, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse. The behavior may occur during the relationship or after the relationship has ended.” Victims face many barriers when leaving, including isolation, financial control, intimidation and threats, and fear of escalating violence. Furthermore, victims must also face the expenses of rebuilding a new life, which can become staggering.
Jaron Goodson, a Wilmington native who is currently one of the owners of Good Sleep Mattress Co. saw the positive acts that Cedric Harrison and The Support The Foundation, Inc. were doing in his home town and wanted to join in on the random acts of kindness. So Cedric came up with a plan to partner with DVSS, Inc. Recognizing that victims of domestic violence face many obstacles when leaving their homes and have likely faced many sleepless nights, Cedric and JaRon collaborated to donate a new bed set to a survivor of domestic violence. Through this generous donation, we were able to connect a family transitioning out of our shelter with a brand new bed. This amazing gesture not only eases some of the family’s financial burden, but also serves a reminder that they are valued by our community. Being that women don’t usually get a goodnight’s sleep while in a domestic violent relationship, it's good to know that now they will, courtesy of us.
Come Through, It's Lit!
Support The Port Foundation partnered with Wilmington businesses to bring local residents a lituation situation with the Come Through, it’s Lit! Book Drive and Literature engagement.
During the month February, select businesses around Wilmington, NC collected books for all ages and reading levels focused around African American History and/or written by African American Authors.
On the final Saturday in February, local Barbers and Hairstylists provided complimentary haircuts and styles to participating children who came out and read one of the books collected during the month. Children were able to grab a book, grab a seat and read to themselves while they waited for their turn in the chair. Once in the chair, the barber or stylist listened to them read out loud and help them with any challenges along the way. Children were able to leave with their book of choice (and a bonus book), a fresh style or cut and a renewed sense of self.