- Elliot Worth
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Field Trip!
Interning at Book Harvest means no two days look the same, and Wednesday was no exception. I had the chance to join some of my favorite Book Harvest teammates on a field trip to Greensboro, where we toured Replacements, Ltd. and learned more about one of their most meaningful initiatives: Bob’s Closet.
Our first stop was Replacements’ showroom, a destination in itself. Right off I-85/40, Replacements is the world’s largest retailer of vintage and current tableware, silver, and estate jewelry. The displays are stunning–rows of elegant china, sparkling rings and brooches, and an entire museum of rare, one-of-a-kind pieces. But as beautiful as the showroom was, what moved me most was what lay behind it.
Inside the factory, we saw the heart of Replacements: a culture deeply committed to valuing people. There were walls of employee appreciation—portraits of workers with 20+ years of service, family trees of relatives working side by side, and photos posted in the hallways simply to brighten someone’s day.
Staff have access to an on-site medical clinic, gym, generous volunteer hours, and a welcoming breakroom. International flags hang above workstations, allowing employees to connect with their cultures. It’s the kind of workplace that proves business success and human dignity don’t have to be at odds.
And then—Bob’s Closet.
Tucked within the factory is a remarkable operation: a free clothing store serving thousands of local families each year. At Bob’s Closet, community members can select a full week’s worth of seasonally appropriate clothing every quarter, completely free of charge. It’s dignified, choice-based, and full of care—just like the rest of Replacements.
For families navigating financial hardship, something as basic as having clean, comfortable clothes can make a world of difference. Bob’s Closet steps in to meet that need with compassion and respect. Walking through it, I couldn’t help but draw a connection to Book Harvest’s own mission: removing barriers, restoring dignity, and ensuring that every child has the tools they need to thrive—whether that’s a favorite outfit or a favorite book.
That shared vision was the reason for our visit. We spent the afternoon in conversation with Replacements and Bob’s Closet leadership, exploring ways to partner and amplify each other’s work. We talked about how access to clothing and access to books both unlock confidence, creativity, and opportunity. And how together, we can do even more.
As a young person trying to navigate a complicated and oftentimes disheartening world, it was deeply encouraging to witness this kind of collaboration in action. Replacements is a company using its resources to lift others up, and I’m proud to be part of an organization (Book Harvest) that shares that commitment.
Elliot Worth is Book Harvest's summer intern thanks to the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers Nonprofit Internship Program; her internship is made possible due to the support of the AJ Fletcher Foundation.
