Richmond Public Schools Named 2026 Hammers & Ales Beneficiary: Community Build & Brews
Hundreds of volunteer-built furniture pieces to support new outdoor classrooms in Richmond, VA
August 3, 2026
Task Rabbit Volunteers pausing for a photo during the 2025 Hammers & Ales event at RichmondToolBank's location. Photo courtesy of Richmond ToolBank.
RICHMOND, VA — August 3, 2026 — The Richmond ToolBank is proud to announce Richmond Public Schools (RPS) as the beneficiary recipient of the 2026 Hammers & Ales event. On September 18th, volunteers will construct hundreds of pieces of heavy-duty outdoor furniture, which will be donated to RPS to enhance outdoor classrooms and student spaces throughout the district.
Hammers & Ales is The Richmond ToolBank’s signature fundraising event that features a half day of service with corporate and community groups building and assembling outdoor furniture. Furniture build options at Hammers & Ales include picnic tables, park benches, and raised garden beds. Participants use ToolBank materials, tools, and instructions to build a selection of outdoor furniture to be donated to the community and local parks.
Community Build & Brews
Local and national companies are coming together for a unique fundraising event contributing to safe and vibrant public spaces throughout Richmond, VA and beyond.
In its 11th year, the Richmond ToolBank will be hosting its annual Hammers & Ales event in the Richmond ToolBank parking lot off Cummings Drive in the Diamond District. A selection of craft Richmond beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and offerings from local food trucks will be offered. The event provides shade and storage for all build teams and sponsors & builders receive a commemorative t-shirt and incentives to enjoy at the event. Hammers & Ales welcomes all ages and abilities to join.
Sandbox volunteers measuring built picnic tables at 2025's Hammers & Ales event. Photo courtesy of Richmond ToolBank.
Hammers & Ales Supports the Tools for Change Program
Richmond ToolBank’s annual fundraising community build and brews event directly supports its flagship program of providing tool lending services for community-based organizations. ToolBank’s mission involves providing tools, equipment & expertise to empower ambitious goals. The Tools for Change program is central to completing tens of thousands of community transformation projects around the Greater Richmond Area each year.
Community-based organizations must become free members to then reserve and order tools from the ToolBank. Projects that Richmond ToolBank supports include:
- Environment and greenspace
- Education
- Faith-based
- Arts, culture, and humanities
- Health
- Housing and homelessness
- Human services
- Public, societal benefit
- and more
Members pay a tool handling fee equal to 6% of the total retail value of the tools borrowed
per week, saving community-based organizations thousands per year. Removing financial barriers, maintaining, storing, and reducing the packaging involved with tool buying allows for organizations to reinvest into their mission, provide good-will services for the community, and reduce waste for the environment.
Build for a Cause at Hammers & Ales
Hammers & Ales is a unique way to give back to the local community. The Richmond ToolBank invites sponsors and team builds to join the 11th annual Hammers & Ales! [Registration link]
Raise a glass, gather your crew around, and cheers to building a stronger Richmond, together at Hammers & Ales.
Volunteers sanding built and assembled picnic tables at Richmond ToolBank's warehouse. Photo courtesy of Richmond ToolBank.
About Richmond ToolBank
Empowering & Building a Vibrant Richmond, One Tool at a Time
The Richmond ToolBank is a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization dedicated to lending tools, equipment, and expertise to community-based organizations and individuals. As part of a national network of ToolBanks and Disaster Services hubs, the Richmond ToolBank serves as a force multiplier for the community.
In its 11th year, the Richmond ToolBank has generated more than $10 million in tool cost savings reinvested directly into nonprofit programs and projects. Its flagship tool lending program bridges financial gaps by providing access to tools at just 6% of their retail value. To date, Richmond ToolBank has supported over 700 organizations and community groups in the Greater Richmond Area.
Richmond ToolBank’s volunteer programs and events for corporate and community teams involve truly unique give-back experiences. ToolBank designs turnkey, one-of-a-kind volunteer experiences that combine team building with hands-on tool training. Corporate and community teams of all backgrounds come together to roll up their sleeves and build placemaking furniture for local organizations in need. The result is something meaningful for the Richmond region and a deeper sense of connection with the teams building outdoor furniture.
Learn more at richmondtoolbank.org
Media contact:
Kayla Telleria, Marketing Coordinator
Email: Kayla@richmondtoolbank.org
Website: richmondtoolbank.org
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