Materials for the Arts
Our volunteer team at CTA swapped out the blueprints for bins of craft supplies and spent a day volunteering at Materials for the Arts (MFTA), a nonprofit in NYC that gives free art materials to schools, nonprofits, and community groups! Basically, the ultimate arts-and-crafts treasure chest.
Touring the Warehouse
As we started our tour of the MFTA’s warehouse, we were greeted with a foliage wrapped desk and umbrella jellyfish suspended from the ceiling. The space was filled with everything from fabric to furniture to office supplies. It was like a warehouse full of potential—each donation waiting to be reused by artists and educators across the city.
DividE AND CONQUER
After the tour, we got down to business. We were split into three groups to tackle the day’s tasks:
Team Fabric: Sorting and folding piles of fabric, from vibrant prints to neutral basics.
Team Furniture & Household Goods: Organizing donated furniture and household materials, from desks to lamps to picture frames.
Team Clothes: Sorting through racks of donated clothing, checking for items that could be reused or upcycled.
Why It Was Worth It
Spending the day at MFTA wasn’t just about helping out—it was about supporting the creative process. It felt good to contribute to the creative chain by helping organize supplies that will eventually fuel classrooms, community groups, and artists across the city.
Plus, we got a fresh perspective on the power of reuse. It’s not just about sustainability; it’s about finding inspiration in what others might overlook!
Wrapping Up
By the end of the day, we’d made a solid dent in the warehouse and walked away with a sense of accomplishment. It was nice to spend time as a team outside of the office while supporting a cause we believe in.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, check out MFTA. Whether you donate, volunteer, or just stop by to see what they’re all about, you’ll leave inspired. Visit https://www.nyc.gov/content/mfta/pages/give-volunteer to learn more!