Blake McDaniel, the nonprofit initiative Clean Clothes for Kids founder, shares, "I believe that if everybody picks up a couple of rocks and just walks a little way with them, then that's how you move mountains."
As a former agent, Blake worked with Creative Artists Agency for nearly 25 years. Adept at creating projects with a positive impact, he envisioned and brought his ideas to life while at CAA.
American Anthems was one such project that focused on finding everyday people doing extraordinary things in their community. A well-known artist would be introduced to that person, spending a day learning why they're exceptional and would then write a song inspired by that person. It aired on PBS and received four Emmy nominations, with Grammy Award-winning artist Jennifer Nettles taking home one of the awards.
Another project was with Run-D.M.C., deemed the most important Rap group in history. The Grammy-nominated documentary "Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story," which aired on Peacock, was a way for Blake to help solidify their position properly in the lexicon of music history.
These successes made Blake believe that the universe was telling him, "You're headed in the right direction. Keep going." After leaving CAA, he launched Daps Landing Media to help create and curate content with heavy music integration that has a positive impact on culture.
McDaniel has always sought to dedicate some aspect of his life to serving the community, a philosophy shared by his family.
It was in 2018 that Blake read of someone who had donated a set of washers and dryers to a school in St. Louis after one of the counselors had noticed that there were students who may have needed cleaning services. After receiving the machines, the counselor discreetly approached the students and offered to launder their clothing for them.
A study found a correlation between the attendance of at-risk demographics in that school and those who did not have clean clothes to wear to class. The same kids also did not try out for school sports teams because they were unable to wash their practice uniforms. When attendance increased by 92% that year, they discovered that these same kids were using this washer and dryer service at the school.
McDaniel wondered if that same problem existed in Nashville.
Blake was aware of the funds raised and set aside in a separate industry organization for which he sat on the Board. During a meeting, he explained what he had read and proposed an "experiment." The objective was to find a school in Nashville that needed a washer and dryer for its students.
Having already worked with the Nashville Communities in Schools Director, Blake approached her and presented his idea, requesting the name of a school with this need. Blake personally ensured that the washer and dryer were delivered and installed.
A month later, teachers, the principal, and members of the Board from which the first donation originated gathered for a photo session to accompany a press release. A teacher requested that another school be considered for the next year, and one of the Board members stepped up to agree to donate, provided Blake would again facilitate it.
Word spread. Requests began flowing in.
Blake had volunteered as a reading tutor with Pencil for Schools for six years, eventually taking a seat on the Board. The logistics involved in setting up a nonprofit became overwhelming. He reached out to Pencil, explained his issue and asked for help. People could donate directly to the Pencil Foundation, and funds were earmarked for Clean Clothes for Kids. Blake would fulfill the orders out of pocket and then be reimbursed after presenting the receipts. It left Blake free to focus on fulfilling the orders.
Recently, Clean Clothes for Kids celebrated the receipt of its 50th set of washers and dryers.
Sometimes, gently used washers and dryers are donated. As Chair of the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, the Board allows him to store the machines until needed.
Blake isn't actively seeking donations unless there is a need to fulfill. Thus far, the generosity has come from word of mouth, thanks to friends like British film and television producer Simon Lythgoe, who have shared the worthy cause.
Although Blake is the face of the initiative, many people behind the scenes provide information, their time, donations, and connections. Individuals like Pencil's Individual Giving Manager, Skylar Coakley, Chief Strategy Officer Kelly Rolf, and Community Engagement Specialist Kashonda Babb, all from Metro Nashville Public Schools, play crucial roles.
The cost of detergent had also become such an impediment. A donor friend of Blake's happened to have a brother who owns Grab Green, a California-based company. After connecting, the brother wanted to help with a plan that would benefit both parties. As customers change their minds about online orders or if a product is damaged in transit, the stock begins piling up in Amazon warehouses with nowhere else to store it. Grab Green began redirecting pallets of laundry soap to Blake for donation.
Blake adds, "Kids aren't old enough to handle the burdens of our society. Some of these burdens seem like massive mountains to move. This is me picking up some rocks, walking to a certain position, and putting them down, then going back to get a few more. Luckily, I have a lot of people who are helping me to pick these rocks up, and together, we're going to be able to move insurmountable mountains out of their way."