January 9, 2025
By: Robert Avsec, Charleston G2G Volunteer
Greetings to all who volunteered at our first Guns to Gardens event last May. There was considerable interest from you folks in the tools and jewelry that Scotty and Stan from RAWTools South made from the relinquished firearms. We didn’t have any of that merchandise available at our event but RAWTools South sent some of their creations to be sold at the 2024 edition of First Presbyterian’s Hope Village.
As many of you know, RAWTools South is located in Asheville, North Carolina. Fortunately, both Scotty and Stan and their families were personally spared the terrible wrath of Hurricane Helene. But they were immersed in the recovery efforts, clearing and rebuilding roads, housing people less fortunate, and basically being the amazing human beings that they are. Despite all that has happened, they still able to create some wonderful garden tools and jewelry that they sent to the organizers of this year’s Hope Village for sale.
About First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is located at 16 Leon Sullivan Way Charleston, WV.
Shop with a Purpose! In addition to the items from RawTools South, First Presby had 21 other vendors present with amazing Fair Trade items. As most of you know, this is not a fund raiser for the church- we return the proceeds to the vendors.
First Presbyterian Church has held Hope Village for over a decade. This is not a fund-raising venture for the Church, rather we seek out vendors who are lifting their artisans out of poverty, marginalization, and sex trafficking.
We obtain beautiful, handcrafted items on consignment, sell them and return the proceeds to the vendors. The vendors we use pay a living wage to the artisans, and support programs to educate and train others to engage in work that empowers them.–Dina Mohler, Hope Village
Some Examples of the garden tools and jewelry that were crafted using the metals and wood from firearms that were brought to our 2024 Safe Surrender Event.
Please share this post with your friends and family– we love being busy! We look forward to seeing you at the Second Annual Guns to Gardens “Safe Surrender” event on May 3rd, 2025.
Charleston Guns to Garden 
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