Upcycle Parts Shop is hosting a street party for its five-year anniversary of opening in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

The free party takes place Friday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature hands-on crafting, raffles, live music, inspiration, refreshments, and the upcycled artwork of more than 50 friends.

Upcycle Parts Shop is an environmentally conscious nonprofit organization dedicated to the reuse of arts and craft supplies, with a focus on sustainability. At their unique storefront at 6419 St. Clair Ave. (look for their bright blue awning), people can donate used supplies or shop for the items at reasonable prices.

In the five years since opening, Upcycle has taken in 27 tons of materials, which is big for the program, because one of their main focuses is sustainability.

“There is so much value in waste. Right now, we are focusing on low-waste packaging for the holidays using our materials,” says co-founder and Executive Director Nicole McGee. “It is a place where you are creating and have access to low-cost materials. Sustainability and environmental impact are a key concept for us.”

The company is growing daily and is a centerpiece in building community and neighborhood connections and relationships in the city of Cleveland.

“We have great relationships with our neighbors,” McGee said. “We have a really phenomenal team here, and there have been so many people who have participated.”

Although the company has thrived in its first five years, McGee said they could not have done it alone.

“We incubated under a parent organization, but now we are our own team,” McGee said. “We have a board that makes the decisions, but we still need a lot of people and supporters.”

Building community and neighborhood connection is one of the goals of Upcycle Parts Shop, giving volunteer and employment opportunities to the people of Cleveland.

“We are now hiring our neighbors,” McGee said. “We are intentionally building a community. We have a neighbor who brings us food and makes us feel at home in the community. He is a fixture around here. He is somebody we call when something is wrong. To have a neighbor like that, it means the world.”

In the next five years, McGee imagines the company being stronger than ever, being a model of connecting neighbors to each other and owning a bigger building.

The five-year anniversary party will take place at their storefront. To get involved in volunteer opportunities, go here.