News Summary
House of Swank Clothing in Raleigh has raised over $5,163 for the Helping Hand Mission through the sale of Black Lives Matter-themed t-shirts and face masks. The initiative showcases the store’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities and social justice. The funds will aid in ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable populations, particularly during the pandemic. The community’s response has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Local Clothing Store Raises Over $5,000 for Black Lives Matter Movement
Raleigh’s House of Swank Clothing has successfully raised over $5,163 for the Helping Hand Mission, a local organization supporting marginalized communities. The funds were generated through the sale of a special line of Black Lives Matter (BLM) themed t-shirts and face masks, with all proceeds donated to the cause.
How the Fundraiser Unfolded
In response to the national and local impetus for social justice, House of Swank Clothing launched a dedicated BLM collection. The line included t-shirts and face masks featuring messages and symbols aligned with the movement. The store pledged to donate all proceeds from the sale of these items, demonstrating their support for racial equality and community outreach efforts.
As a result of this initiative, the store raised over $5,163 by the time of the report. The donation will aid the Helping Hand Mission in its ongoing efforts to assist marginalized communities in Raleigh, particularly during the strains caused by the ongoing pandemic.
Community Response and Support
The community’s involvement played a pivotal role in reaching this milestone. The donation amount was made possible by numerous purchases from local residents supportive of the cause. The organization’s representatives expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the donation will significantly aid their operations during a challenging period marked by resource constraints.
Background on House of Swank Clothing
House of Swank Clothing is a well-known store in Raleigh dedicated to creating themed apparel and merchandise that resonate with local culture and current events. Co-owned by John Pugh and Jessica Robinson, the store has been operational for almost 15 years. Their goal is to produce the “Raddest North Carolina themed t-shirts and swag on the planet.”
Many of their designs are inspired by local sayings, recent events, and observations from small-town life, aiming to combine fun with comfort. Pugh describes their shirts as “the softest shirts in the universe.” The store’s merchandise also includes stickers and other collectibles, all crafted with attention to small-town spirit and humor.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
Beyond merchandise, John Pugh and Jessica Robinson actively engage with the Raleigh community through participation in local events and festivals. They also give back to charities and community organizations as a gesture of appreciation for support received over the years.
Recent notable projects include a limited-edition shirt featuring the zebra cobra that escaped captivity and a design inspired by a bear cub napping in a tree near a hospital. These designs demonstrate the couple’s responsiveness to local incidents and interests, using humor and creativity to foster community connections.
Additional Achievements and Publications
John Pugh and Jessica Robinson are also published authors, having released a book titled “Source to Sea”. The book recounts their early relationship adventure, specifically their trip down the Mississippi River, showcasing their diverse interests and community-centered lifestyle.
Impact of the Black Lives Matter Campaign
The recent BLM collection highlights the store’s commitment to social issues, with the proceeds continuing to support ongoing community efforts. House of Swank promises to maintain sales of the collection, with ongoing donations pledged to Helping Hand Mission, thereby extending their support beyond the initial fundraiser.
Summary
In Raleigh, House of Swank Clothing’s initiative to support social justice through merchandise sales has successfully raised over $5,163 for the Helping Hand Mission. This effort exemplifies how local businesses can contribute meaningfully to community causes, leveraging merchandise and creative campaigns to foster support and action during challenging times.
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
