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“You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.
You can be a kid too!”
-Sammie Vance
We joined forces with Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project to help cultivate friendships and promote sustainable thinking in schools and the community.
POLYWOOD is proud to announce that we’re the official bench partner for Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project. We invited the initiative’s founder, Sammie Vance, over to watch her Buddy Benches come to life.
It was her second visit at POLYWOOD HQ, and Sammie retraced her steps through our recycling facility as the excitement built. She made her way to our showroom where the new benches awaited, and couldn’t be happier with the finished products.
“I think it’s cool that I’m right now sitting on the very first Buddy Bench by POLYWOOD!”
- Sammie Vance
Why POLYWOOD?
Sammie’s vision of creating spaces for connection is combined with her passion for recycling and a deep respect for our planet. These sentiments parallel our goal of bringing people together outdoors—and our mission to make furniture with industry-leading sustainability practices.
“This partnership is really cool because we’re inspiring youth to make a difference by helping the planet, and I’m very thankful that we’re a team.”
- Sammie Vance
Get a Buddy Bench for Your School or Community Group
Want to make a difference in your community? Get a Buddy Bench for your local school or organization.
Step 1
Sign up for POLYWOOD's Recycling Program by filling in the form below.
Step 2
Collect 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic, like milk jugs and shampoo bottles (look for the "2" recycling symbol).
Step 3
Drop off the plastic at your local recycling center and send us a photo.
Step 4
We'll send you a code to purchase a Buddy Bench at a discounted rate—with free shipping!
Shop Buddy Benches
A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project.
Join In and Make a Difference
We’re so proud of the schools and community groups that have participated. Will you join them and score your own Buddy Bench?
About Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project
Sammie founded the project in 2017 at the age of eight as an easy way for kids to find companionship. After learning about the concept of buddy benches, she set out to bring one to her elementary school—but with a sustainable twist. Her first step was community outreach, asking local families and businesses to donate their discarded plastic. “We got a lot of donations from the community and my friends and family,” Sammie said. “With all the support, we ended up getting three buddy benches made in two months’ time.”
Word of Sammie's work spread far beyond her town, gaining her international recognition and accolades—including hundreds of letters from supporters near and far.
“I did not expect it to have this big of an outcome. But I’m very thankful because it’s inspiring people.”
- Sammie Vance
Today, hundreds of Sammie’s Buddy Benches fill public spaces across the country, and Sammie’s whole experience is captured in her first book Inspire the World: A Kid’s Journey to Making a Difference.
A Special Thank You From Sammie