Wakefield, MA – The junior carpentry class at Northeast Metro Tech recently won an Apex Award for best PR Campaigns, Programs and Plans for Build-a-Bureau.
Build-a-Bureau is a pilot program funded by Camber Development and Dacon’s Designed with Dignity philanthropy in which 32 students are constructing 3-drawer bureaus for shelter children transitioning into apartments. This grant was given to mark the commencement of 800 Salem, a 238,000sf fully electric flex warehouse facility in Wilmington. The furniture is being distributed by Mission of Deeds, a turnaround organization where sheltered families can shop for household goods for free.
The Apex Awards is a national competition for communications programs in which 1,100 entries were evaluated across 13 categories. Ninety-three PR initiatives were submitted for Campaigns, Programs and Plans. “Build-a-Bureau: Harvesting Vocational Talent to Help Sheltered Children” was one of 12 programs nationwide given a Grand Award for this category. It was the only program submitted run by high school students. A ceremony was held for the students, marked by certificates and a breakfast made by the culinary class.
Build-a-Bureau is Northeast Metro Tech’s first furniture program. Lauren Nowicki, chief communications officer at Dacon, said, “Vocational schools are an excellent source for talent and leadership training. These students demonstrate how teenagers can actively contribute to solving societal problems. We thank our friends at Camber Development and Mission of Deeds for this group effort to aid underserved children.”
