Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Carpenter.
Hi Meg, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
2005-2011:
A Teacher’s Vision to Make a Difference, One Student at a Time
In 2005, a recent college graduate began her dream job—teaching kindergarten to an underserved population in an impoverished school. With a student population beset with all the problems commonly associated with poverty, she quickly realized that her training had not addressed the realities of teaching students who were struggling mightily outside the classroom. Margaret shared her concerns with her mother. Together, they decided that they would focus on providing one basic need—the lack of seasonally appropriate clothing for school. It was late September and Margaret had noticed that many of the children did not seem to have sweaters or jackets. What would they do when it got really cold?
Together they purchased coats from store sales and thrift shops, and the teacher was able to send a coat home with each child in her class before the temperature dropped to below freezing. The next day, some of the coats were returned. It never occurred to some of these families that the coat was a gift for the child to keep. The school’s social worker prepared a note explaining that the coats were donations from the community. A copy of the note was then inserted into the pocket of each item.
Things quickly snowballed as others learned of their generosity. The following year, each Kindergarten-aged child in the school was given a coat. By the third year, they were able to provide a coat for each child in the entire school. What started as a one-family ministry in a single classroom in a single school has now spread to our entire community. A simple “Note in the Pocket” can have an immeasurable impact on the life of a child when it conveys a powerful message—you are loved.
What started as a one-family ministry in a single classroom in a single school has now spread to our entire community.
2011-2019:
As our community got more and more involved with the mission, the need for a thoughtful, sustainable model to provide clothing to children and families with dignity came to light. We would need to balance the consistent incoming donations with organized, personalized clothing packages. A small classroom space at North Raleigh Ministries’ crisis center was secured to use as a storage space. From that humble beginning, Note in the Pocket continued to grow until a generous philanthropic businessman offered a larger space to meet increasing demand.
In spring 2012, Note in the Pocket became an official ministry under the auspices of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, allowing donors to receive tax benefits for clothing and monetary gifts. While operating under the church’s umbrella, the early leadership team applied for independent nonprofit status, which was granted in August 2013. An Executive Director was named and under their leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth year after year—expanding its reach, strengthening operations, and deepening its impact across the community.
2020–2024: Growth and Expansion
In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Note in the Pocket launched the Emergency Clothing Effort to meet urgent and escalating needs. A temporary second location opened in May 2020 to accommodate additional volunteers and clothing donations, and the organization introduced Pocket Pop Up clothing events as a second distribution channel.
In fall 2021, operations were consolidated into a larger facility at Crossroads Fellowship Campus in Raleigh.
In summer 2022, Note in the Pocket expanded into Durham County, hosting two Pocket Pop Ups in partnership with Interfaith Food Shuttle and WellCare, and piloting a program with the Durham Children’s Initiative to clothe 50 children in their program.
By 2023, Note in the Pocket had officially become a Triangle region-wide serving agency. In January 2024, the organization opened its dedicated Durham program location, further increasing its capacity to serve. We are excited to continue growing our capacity and serve the Triangle region!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is Meg Carpenter and I am Note in the Pocket’s Development Director. Fundraising is the only career I have known. What started as a on-campus job at Meredith College has turned into millions dollars raised for our Triangle community.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is seen through a lens inspired by The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley. It’s easy to get discouraged when the needs of our neighbors continue to rise. But knowing that we are making a difference to those we are connected with is what matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://noteinthepocket.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/NoteInThePocket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoteInThePocket
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/note-in-the-pocket/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noteinthepocketNC
