Making an impact can start with something as small as a conversation. For many of our employees, there is always an effort to connect with everyone who walks through the front doors as it is the most effective way to share our mission with the world. We strive to make a lasting impression upon our guests and volunteers but can never foresee the ways a simple conversation can lead to immense positive change. A simple greeting was the catalyst for one of the biggest partnerships in our company.

Record-Breaking Relationships

The partnership originated in the beginning of March when two interested Amazon employees toured the Rethreaded Campus of Hope from a Rethreaded staff member. While being led through the production department, business offices, and retail store was interesting to the two, what really sparked their interest in our company was learning the story of our mural. Reclaiming the Light: A Survivor’s Journey, details the path to healing that a woman must undergo to restore choice within her life. After learning about the realities of a survivor’s journey depicted in the mural, the two Amazon employees connected with Rethreaded’s mission to support the rehabilitation and employment of survivors of human trafficking.

Once reentering the business offices on campus, the Amazon employees enthusiastically inquired as to how they could contribute. With a need for t-shirts, our Rethreaded staff had suggested hosting a t-shirt drive as it was something other organizations in our community frequently hosted. As Amazon had completed similar drives for other organizations, like a shoe drive they had just recently performed, they were completely onboard with setting one up. The effort resulted in a national t-shirt donation drive across 108 Amazon locations in 34 states. The nationwide response from Amazon employees demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing human trafficking, with team members across the country going above and beyond to ensure donations reached Rethreaded in time. This initiative not only supports Rethreaded’s mission but also strengthens the communities where Amazon employees live and work, creating a dual positive impact.

Threads of Hope

Some people may be wondering as to why the donation efforts were concentrated on collecting old t-shirts?

T-shirts are the lifeline of our retail products and serve as some of the main materials for our production and operations departments. In the production department, t-shirts are used as textiles for products such as scarves and pet toys. In the operations department, the t-shirts are precisely cut and prepped into industrial cleaning rags which are then purchased by local Jacksonville companies like Crowley.

The success of the newly introduced industrial rag line has allowed Rethreaded to create two new employment positions for survivors. The increased demand for industrial products has allowed Rethreaded as a whole to have a greater impact during the hiring cycle as we will be able to support the employment of more survivors at a time. This will allow Rethreaded to be able and reach more women and thus help prevent many survivors from returning to the life from a lack of stable employment.

“Without access to a new community and job opportunities, 80% of women will be re-trafficked,” said Kristin Keen, Rethreaded’s Founder and CEO. “Amazon is choosing to use the power of their community to make a huge impact on the lives of survivors by collecting t-shirts across America. These t-shirts will not only create jobs, but also a safe place to heal and reclaim lives.”

For this, Amazon’s North American Sortation Centers and Reverse Logistics teams joined forces, resulting in one of Rethreaded’s largest raw material donations—approximately 20,000 t-shirts—equating to over 270 hours of meaningful work for a survivor.

“At Amazon, we’re committed to sustainability, being a good neighbor, and creating a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Marcela Milan, Sr. Workplace, Health and Safety Program Manager at Amazon. “What started as two employees’ initiative has grown into a nationwide effort that aligns perfectly with our value of reducing waste while supporting an important cause. We’re proud to partner with Rethreaded to help create meaningful employment opportunities while giving new life to thousands of t-shirts. This collaboration demonstrates how small actions, when amplified across our network, can make a significant difference and strengthen the communities where our employees live and work.”

Unity & Utility

This partnership demonstrates the significant impact organizations can create when working towards a shared goal. Amazon’s extensive participation in this initiative not only transforms the lives of survivors, but also highlights its operational reach and employees’ commitment to community engagement.

It will be exciting to start turning these t-shirts into products that will soon enter the homes and worksites of our supporters with new life woven into their threads.