Katrina: How
Consignment, Resale and Thrift Shops
Are Helping NOW
Katrina
has thrown so many people, and so many resale shopkeepers, into dire need.
But who better to know that people can help people, and that recycling is
not only doable but feasible, than resale, consignment, and thrift store
owners?
But maybe you're thinking, "what can I, a little business, do to
help? There's so much need, and it's so far away..." If you, as a
professional shopkeeper, are thinking this way, imagine how powerless your
customers and consignors feel. They don't know anyone in that area; they
don't know who to trust to use their donations wisely. But you, they know.
You, they trust.
Help your clientele help
you to help not only the individuals, but also the resale businesses whose
long road to recovery has just begun.
Kate
Holmes, www.tgtbt.com
P.S. A
note to those of you who may not own shops: If you'd like to help, contact
your nearest consignment or resale shop. They could use help sorting out
the grubstake items, organizing fund-raising events, and more. Tell them
Kate sent you, and if they aren't sure what to do to help, send them to
our page of tips for shopkeepers who want to
help. And a note to resalers: If you would like to contact your
fellow shops who have contributed to this page, please visit our Sharing
Discussion Board and look for their email addresses, or simply post what
your shop, specifically, can do.
From
California to Charlotte, Columbia to Calgary, what resalers are doing to
help
A fellow resaler loses all and those nearby rally to help:
From Stephanie Harris:
Heidi replies:
Toni, Canton GA, www.SecondhandSisters.com:
I am just north of Atlanta. I would love to help. Please let Heidi and I know if we can help. I will keep you in my prayers.
Anita from Upscale Fashions, Atlanta GA:
Stephanie, Please let me know if I can help. Give me a call at Upscale Fashions.
MarKay Appel, PB&J, Georgia:
I'm just north of Atlanta. Call me if I can help in any way at all.
Deb, shoprevente.com, Columbia SC:
I am 4 hours from Atlanta and can send you anything you need ($, gift cards, phone cards, etc). Please email me and let me know what we can do to help. Hang in there-you've got your "resale family" ready & willing. PS: Call Bonnie Kallenberg at Finders Keepers in the Atlanta area-she will be more than willing to help also.
| Mary of www.bargainladyok.com in Oklahoma City OK: We watch the news, it feels unreal until you hear the real stories. I will have you in my prayers also. There is power in prayer, that is one thing I KNOW. Our Feed the Children trucks in Oklahoma City are being loaded as we speak to send some help to you all. Best wishes. |
Patty in Utah:
Thank you Kate, for once again giving us a
goal and a plan. For me, the very saddest thing about Stephanie's
post, even sadder than the tragic loss of her business, possessions, and
maybe her home, was her statement that she didn't have the strength to
re-build. Maybe with our donations of clothing, money, and time, and the
thoughts and prayers of all of us, she'll find the strength.
Adele R. Meyer, Executive Director, narts.org , says:
| Safe! Hi, this is Brenda Wood. I have Repeat Performance in Slidell, LA. which is directly north of Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans. My family and I evacuated to Clinton, MS (close to Jackson) and are safe. Slidell, however, was badly hit by Katrina - some flooding and a lot of wind damage. We have been able to make it down there to check on damages. My shop is standing, but there is damage to the side wall. Power is still out down there, and we don't know when we can get up and running again. Please keep us in your prayers. Most people in Slidell and the surrounding areas have damage to some extent to their businesses and homes. |
One resaler
may have lost all four of her New
Orleans shops... and her employees won’t have jobs:
From Kate:
Here's an email I got from Deb McD:
Both Tracy [True Dismukes] and I have been in touch w/ Steph since she
left New Orleans. Tracy spoke w/ her today and this is her email:
Just got off the phone with Stephanie Hirsh and
she is headed to her dad's home in Nebraska tomorrow morning and is taking
the two older ladies ( Steph’s 84 & 85 yr old next door neighbors)
and all their dogs to stay with her there until they figure out what to do
next.
They have no clothes other than a few items they grabbed on the way out
and I told Stephanie she had a network of shop owners that would send
whatever they need just tell us what sizes. I have her dad's phone number
if anyone needs it. She is sure her downtown stores are flooded and
possibly looted but hasn't heard about her Metarie store and her home
which is also in Metarie.
Tracy
Kate:
There's not a lot we
all can do immediately, besides having a collection jar in our shops and
asking our clientele to help. Whether you donate the proceeds to the Red
Cross or another agency is your call.
But there is A LOT we can do long-term. Once our fellow resalers sort out,
hopefully with love and care, their particular personal circumstances,
they may need what used to be called a "grubstake"... a bit of
beginning stock.
I urge you to put aside, however you can, the best "opening
stock" you might have. Once Stephanie (both of them, although you may
only know our Gulfport Stephanie, who is one of our Sharers) and others we
may not know personally, get, with our love and encouragement and faith in
whatever deity we choose, to the point where they can be back in business,
we can get them started again, without cost.
Of course, this will help not only our fellow resale shopkeepers, but also
the people in their communities, who will need to start over as well.
So please, store with care your best warm-weather clothing of all sizes,
both genders, and check back here at www.tgtbt.com when you can, to see
which of our fellow resalers is ready to pick up her/his professional
life. As the media says, don't send goods now...they can't handle
that...hold on to it until the time comes.
In the meanwhile, set out that collection jar. And BTW: the best way to
fill it? Ask your clientele if they would like to "round up to the
next dollar" for Katrina's victims. Think about it: that is less than
a buck for each sale, Surely, your customers could say yes. They charge a
sale? Ask if they would like to round up, then, IN FRONT OF THEM, take the
46 cents or whatever out of your register and put it in the jar. Yes, it
actually costs you 47 cents or whatever...but this will motivate people to
put another buck or two in the jar as you do.
[Back to top]
UPDATE:
Stephanie Hirsh of Prima Donna's is rolling up her sleeves and trying to
get her professional life back together. An email from her:
Kate,
I am so overwhelmed with "Kate's Call" at TGTBT! Unusual for me,
but I find myself at a loss for words! I can't thank you enough for your
kind and generous spirit - always willing to help and support. I am moved
to tears, but these tears are of joy, so much better than the ones shed
over the last month.
Most everyone in the city is living in the moment....there are still so many unknowns about our future, it's hard to plan too far in advance. Thanks to the support of my family, friends and colleagues, I am moving to my recovery at a faster pace. Just knowing so many are on your side is totally awesome. I will never forget this feeling of positive energy through cyberspace! Just awesome!
I am still struggling with who, what, where, when and why......Yikes! Scattered? Yes! Still in shock? Yes! Ready to get back to work? Definitely, YES!
I sent this message earlier: I am overwhelmed with your concern and support. I haven't had much time to respond - I am so sorry about that. I know Debbie has been keeping everyone abreast of my journey. You all have been good friends.
I entered New Orleans today. I cried for an hour after witnessing first hand what has happened to our beautiful city. There has been much progress with clearing the roads and draining the city but the eerie sight of a tropical city that is now gray with no sign of life is hard to handle. There are no words to describe it. I couldn't take any pictures in the city......it was just too difficult seeing so much of the community as if it were a 100 year old town just rediscovered. Although I was totally alone, it seemed irreverent to stop and stare.
I don't know what is worse....the flooding or the looting! Hard to imagine just a short month ago how beautiful my stores were and "carefree" the staff was.
My professional family is still scattered and some are suffering devastating losses. I will keep you informed of our progress. Thank you so much for caring so deeply. Please tell all how much we appreciate their thoughts, prayers and support.
Thanks, Kate, for always being there. My
future looks much brighter thanks to you.
XOXO Stephanie
Round-up for Relief, or Katrina Kan’t Knock Us Down Jar
MollyB, Once Again, Roswell NM:
We are praying day and night for everyone affected and special prayers are said for our fellow shop owners, that they will be given the strength to rebuild.
Kristi, Kids 2 Kids:
Christine:
We put out a jar -- anyone who receive change from
their purchase and donates to the fund, we will match up to $5. Folks are
donating much more. I collected more than $350 yesterday and my match was
about $60. Of course, I will donate a share at the end to make a nice,
even number. People really are generous. We all feel so helpless...
Deb at castawayconcepts.com in California:
Malissa, PJs Patch, Wisconsin:
My little boy (4) donated his pennies to the jar and his very favorite cowboy boots! :) I am soo proud of him.
Lisa at trendyrepeats.com:
I
Peggie, Little Angels,
Lakewood, NJ:Already have the collection jar on the desk and am designating $1 for every $25 spent in the store to go to Katrina. I'm kids only, so if you are keeping a data base for help, add me in. Our local church is sending supplies through Convoy of Hope. I never thought about supplying the stores there. I'll keep all the Spring/Summer I was going to use next year for when our Stephanies are ready.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate and getting us all movin!
Deb McD:
Kitty, The Kids Closet, Rochester IL:
Thank
you for all the great ideas to help with hurricane relief in your
newsletter today. I'm adopting Round up for Relief as I already have Red
Cross cans at each register for Hurricane Katrina victims. We feel so
helpless here as we watch the news. It's all so horrible and I know it
will take those people a long time to recover.
Kate:
It's really
amazing when you sit down and think about figures. There's, let's say, a
MILLION people displaced/ in a fix, who just ONE WEEK ago today were fine,
going about their lives just like you and I are today.
But there's what, close to 300 million Americans, to say nothing of our
well-wishers from other countries? Let's say each family of 3.2 people or
whatever the statistic is, instead of "wasting" $100 over the
next coupla months, makes sure that it's used appropriately to ease a
neighbor's pain.
That's almost $10 BILLION.
Surely every family can skimp a little on extras over a few months to have
$100 to help.
Now the key is, of course, making sure the money YOU have forgone to use
yourself is used appropriately to help others. We don't want to hear, a
year from now, that Joe Blow of ABC Charity somehow managed to buy a
seaside mansion for his wife and a penthouse for his mistress. And the
best way to manage your donation is to see that it is used the way YOU
want it to. The easiest way to do that is upclose and personal. That's why
I have urged you to feel comfortable about who is going to receive your
Round Up for Relief Jar, or who can be helped locally, or who you are
putting your grubstake items aside for.
This pep talk is really not so much for the folks who are reading it, you
resalers, as it is for your clientele. A little really DOES add up to a
lot... which is really brought home with the "Round Up for
Relief" idea.
I'm proud of you all!
 Deb in
California:I made signs for my store that may be helpful to others. (2007: The graphics file for this image is no longer available) |
Grubstake Gathering: (For info on what this means, see our How To Help Page)
A box of plus-size items made its
way from a Sharer to Ruth's Style Plus shop in Houston. Ruth had written
that her shop was close to a hurricane assistance office, and that there was a great need for plus sizes. Here's what happened when a
box got to her:
Your box arrived Sat but I
didn't have time to open it until yesterday. Toni
[Coleman, a past NARTS
member and officer now in another career]
had come over
for the day and was helping me out. We had a family from Beaumont
that had lost their home to a large tree. They bought a few
things, picked from our donate rack, and then I remembered your box.
Opened it and they were delighted. Most of it worked for them (4
ladies).
thanks so much
Ruth
(For those of you who would like to send
plus sizes to Ruth's shop, it's Style Plus, 12121 Westheimer, Suite 101,
Houston TX 77077)
Michele writes:
Kate,
Please let
those who have lost everything know that they are eligible for Disaster
Unemployment Assistance.
I received this for the three weeks I was closed due to remnants from
Hurricane Ivan last Sept. here in PA and they announced tonight that it is
available for up to 26 weeks for self employed individuals. They should
get all the help they can! Go to http://ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/hurricane.asp
Teresa at weethreads.com:
I will send all my remaining summer stock as well as
toys - thanks in advance for keeping us posted with specific info. This
is a very personal way for me to help and it feels so much less detached
than simply sending a check (even though I plan to do that, as well!).
Thanks for providing focus at a time when I felt so helpless to help!
Renee:
Malissa:
Carol of Consign Treasures:
What about store equipment? I just closed one down
and I have some printers and things...Labels, etc? I can't send clothes
since I'm home decor but I could send some jewelry..etc.. I know you'll
let us know...Kate...thanks for your caring! I will be glad to help when
it's time..
Kate Buck, SugarDaddy's, California:
Count on California! I
am always so amazed at how we have become such a family on this board. We
will support our "Sisters"/"Brothers" and all be
enriched as a result. I love the idea of a "grub stake" and will
do my part. Prayers are powerful...please feel the ones being sent on your
behalf.
[Back to top]
Helping Katrina refugees in your own town:
Kat
at Larger Than Life- Rubenesque Resale
has set up what she
calls her Back Hall Boutique for Katrina evacuees and her clientele is
keeping it stocked! See her page on her website about Katrina
Relief.
I just got a call from a consignor asking me to hold all little boy clothing size 5 and 6 for her grandsons from Mississippi who have lost their home and all their possessions. I just looked, and I have NOTHING to offer them. We don't do a large kids business, we’re primarily a women’s and teen shop.
The 2 kids are coming to live up here with her indefinitely while mom and dad try to put their life back together in Mississippi. They have 2 summer outfits, that is it.
I would gladly pay for any cold weather clothing and for shipping, if any of you has extra in those sizes.
I'm putting a sign up in the store, and will go to the other shops in the area to see if they have stuff too. I would love to ease even this one hardship for these people and provide them with some school clothes
Janis at youngandrestless.net , TX:
Malissa:
Janis, If you get overwhelmed
you could solicit $ donations from us to help you pay for it. Giving you a
donation may be cheaper than sending items ourselves. Let us know.
A South Carolina shop:
Got a call this morning from a friend with an
Austrian exchange student who evacuated from La. She only had a few
things, so we told her to come in and get whatever she needed on the
house.
Jeni, Jean's Good As New, Mountain Home, Arkansas:
We are in a little town in northern Arkansas and we
have many refugees staying with family, friends and in hotels in our tiny
town. We're doing everything in our power to help out. Donation jars on
the counters and we are using our own money to buy necessary personal
hygiene products. I feel as though our hands are tied in more ways than
one, but I feel as though any little bit helps. I just want to thank
you for keeping everyone's mind on this and reminding them that a little
bit goes a long way! Thank you so much for all you do in the
consignment/resale world! You have helped us a lot and hopefully we'll get
to that point where we can be the big wigs donating the big money to
hometowns in need.
CarolGrace, Athens
Consignment Center, Athens AL:
As I was thinking just how little we were contributing and feeling lost as to what else we could do, I happened to notice one of the girls putting new jewelry out and it hit me; every woman wants to feel pretty, to wear something attractive and new. Regardless of circumstances, these women are no different. Yes, they have very real physical needs such as homes, clothing and medical care, but they also have emotional needs. Call me shallow if you want, but a pretty new piece of jewelry almost always lifts my spirits and I'm betting some of these women will get a little lift, too. After all, even during world wars and the Great Depression, women would scrimp and save to buy the occasional pair of silk stockings or a new lipstick. Before I was through, I'd packed up dozens of pairs of earrings, necklaces and bracelets, as well as some inspirational brooches. Although I can't afford to send toys for all the kids, I do plan to send a Melissa & Doug puppet theater and a set of basic building blocks to the church that's housing many of these survivors in my area of North Alabama.
I would love to do so much more but I don't know what that would be right now. Guess I'll just pray about it, keep my eyes and ears open and see what happens next. Possibly a canned food drive?
With so many needy here and the weather in Alabama staying warm so long, I don't know that I'll be able to pack away too many great things this season, but if I can't, I'll still do my part when it comes time for the "grub stakes". I can always order extra toys for kiddy stores or extra jewelry, scarves, or purses for the womens' shops. In any case, I'll carry my share of the weight.
Thanks for all the great ideas. This is a wonderful community and I'm so grateful to be a small part of it.
Marriette, Battle Creek MI:
Battle Creek,
MI will be receiving evacuees beginning today.
As soon as I finish moving the store I will get together all of my new
blankets and take them to the Red Cross. We also started taking up a
monetary collection at the register on Thursday. If there are any stores
out there that would like to donate a new blanket e-mail me.
Janis, Houston:
I'm in Houston, and there
are thousands of evacuees here. The school district has pulled together to
get them all into school, but they forgot about getting
them uniforms. I donated every last piece of uniform to the
district yesterday - the Store bought all the consigned items and then
donated them. It added up to over $200 at very low "resale"
prices! - over 75 pieces - I hope it helps.
I am also donating dolls & stuffed animals to a play therapist who is
heading to the Astrodome on Monday. I have found that the personal touch
"feels" better, if that makes any sense - of course, we're also
donating money to the Red Cross and the ASPCA. And collecting diapers and
formula next week to take to the YMCA. The relief effort here in Houston
is really chaotic, so we're not donating store merchandise at this time
... offering it to families who come into the store,
though.
Malissa, PJ's Patch, Oshkosh WI :
Any sort or specific ones? I
have some in my ebay store I'd be happy to send but I don't know what type
they need.
Janis in Houston:
Houston school
districts use basic uniforms: khaki or navy pants or shorts plus oxfords
in solid colors. Girls can wear skirts, skorts, or jumpers. There
are private schools that use the plaid style that we tend to think of, but
it's the public school districts that will be flooded with the evacuees.
Malissa:
I told someone about you. If she contacts you let me know if I can help
pay for some of what she takes. She needs childcare too if you know of
anyone. I hope that was ok!
Robyn:
I recently bought inventory from another shop that was quitting business.
Mostly I bought it for the racks but the clothes were part of the deal.
After going through the clothing I found that there was quite a bit with minor flaws, a small stain, etc.
I am going to sort through it again as there quite possibly could be many
usable items. Since I was not going to use it in my shop it may not be good
enough to donate but I am willing to if it is needed. Let me know where to send them and I can get them on
their way.
Brenda in Texas:
We have 250 evacuee families
here in Sulphur Springs. We have donated clothes first from a list of
people and sizes; we made a special bag 
for
each person adding a few extras like a bracelet and so on. Then we asked
why not bring a few people or a lot of people down and let them ‘‘shop’’
for what they would like. I have had consignor after consignor called if
anyone’s is buying my items don’t charge them and things like that.
Then to top it all off there is a young women and man that had planned to
be married last weekend. They ended up here with nothing. We were able
to put her in a beautiful wedding dress (one of my consignors said Yes
please do). We were able to put him in a nice suit with shoes and jewelry
and anything else we could. The young lady was so happy, she was in tears
and I can’t tell you how blessed it made me feel. She thanked and
thanked me, but I was the one thanking her for sharing this special day
with me. Yes I have given money, food, and clothing but to see her in that
wedding dress with a smile that big made me so happy and blessed that they
past my path in their journey. Just wanted to share.
Deb of Castaways Concepts in
California:
This morning's news
announced that Fresno's Mayor had authorized 400 families to come to Fresno.
He's checking with adjacent counties as well to welcome more to our area. I'm
getting in touch with the Fresno Red Cross to donate clothing from both our
stores. Fresno is 40 miles North East of us, but is very workable in terms of
helping out and getting clothing to these families.
I also contacted our radio station advertising rep and asked her if she head the
way to have the radio station promote the "Round Up For Katrina
Victims" program we are doing as well as get other retail stores to do this
very same thing.
I was perplexed over the weekend why not many other states had stepped forward
and went on an email writing campaign and emailed our congressional
representatives, our State assembly and Senate and our Governor (Arnold).
We in California know the wrath of Mother Nature and have been assisted many
times over because of flooding, wild fires and of course earthquakes. While
California is accepting families - I'm still upset they did not step up to the
plate from the outset. My hat goes off to Texas.
Christine in Pennsylvania:
I am from a suburb of
Philadelphia and the mayor of Philly stepped up last week and volunteered
housing for 1000 families. The first group arrived on Sunday and the intake
process will continue for 30 days. However, they are looking first to the
merchants of the city for donations of housing, clothing and food. My offer of
apparel was rebuffed -- I fear this is turning political -- the city is already
gearing up for a nasty mayoral election in 2007 and lines are being drawn.
However, I did get a good response from the Red Cross in our region who felt
confident that some folks would re-locate to the suburbs and my name is on
their lists for donations and volunteering time.
Kerri in Colorado:
We have 1000 people coming to
Denver, CO. They will be housed at what used to be an air force base that has
been turned into dorms for a community college. Although I am in Boulder CO,
there are some local families who are taking people into their homes. There is a
lady who is coming in to pick out some clothes for herself and her children. It
will be nice to actually feel "hands on" in giving her things to help
her thru this difficult time.
Kim:
It is remarkable what all of
our community is doing to help the Katrina Evacuees. Frustrated with Red Cross
not accepting "used" clothes, I wanted to do something tangible for
some one. 280+ people were sent here to Phoenix. What could I do for at least
one of them?
I asked and I received! My mother told me that a member of her church had two
friends who bailed from New Orleans before the storm, and are living with her. I
told Mom to send them in, we would help them. Well they are two men, and we are
a women's shop. I said, "Well if they are cross dressers..." Low and
behold one of them is New Orleans Beloved Miss Tiffany Rose, a female
impersonator.
www.misstiffanyrose.com
Tim came into the shop today and we were able to set him up with 5 great outfits
and a bunch of jewelry. As a gift from the shop we gave him a gorgeous Silk
Robe, for backstage between costume changes. It felt so good to do something
that will help Tim get back on his feet. He has already booked a couple of appearances
and now with some expired inventory, his sewing machine and his great flair he
is on his way. Isn't it wonderful what you find when you look.
Ruth:
We are around the
corner from the food stamp office where the lines have been around the building
for 2 weeks. One of our customers works there and has been directing people to
us. We sell only plus sizes, so we have been able to help lots of people.
Consignors are leaving the items we pass on and also not picking up but telling
us to donate to the evacuees. We have heard heart wrenching stories, met some extraordinary
people. Some are going to stay in Houston, others going back to rebuild. We
called one of our suppliers and he sent 3 boxes of 1X - 5X for us to give. Even
the people that left early only packed for a couple of days and have nothing to
go back to. The gratefulness of these people is humbling.
Organizing events so the proceeds can help:
Mary, bargainlady.com in Oklahoma:
I had planned a Huge Rummage sale but with the
entire community doing fund raisers I have decided to do a more personal
touch that I can do by myself. I have a trailer FULL of our
"pulls". I will work today on getting them into SIZE piles in my
house. We posted on the Katrina home page & Emails are coming in with
Sizes of family members once they arrive at their foster homes in
Oklahoma. I will try to send at least two outfits for each family member.
We will make sure that items are ironed & nice with a note to the
family. I want to help on a smaller scale where I know where my efforts
are going. The only thing I am asking of my customers is a 'change jar' to
help with shipping.
I have no idea how this will work but I have to do SOMETHING.
Debbie, My Sister's Closet, Montana:
We are trying to help
Katrina victims up here in Montana too. I just thought I would let you all
know what we are doing, and maybe get some more fundraising ideas.
We usually have a sidewalk sale this time of year for our anniversary.
This year we are taking all our store inventory, back room collections,
expired items, etc. and tagging them at $1 or $2 in a special Katrina
account. 100% of these items will go to the salvation army and other
funds. We will also have hotdogs and drinks for sale, with the money going
to the cause.
We sent out press releases to every media source we could think of and put
up flyers, we also changed all our radio ads this week to advertise it.
I hope we can raise some money, we usually can bring in $200 to $300 on a
sidewalk sale. Its not a lot, but anything helps right?
We also have a collection bucket from the salvation army and are asking
customers to "round up", I thought that was a great idea.
It is so nice to read these boards and see all the ways everyone is
helping. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose everything like
that.
Linda in New Jersey:
As a final, last chance sale each season, we run a 1-2-3 sale. Everything
is (obviously) 1-2-or 3 dollars. This was in progress when Katrina hit. We
put signs on the sale racks saying "Proceeds from 1-2-3 sale will be
donated to American Red Cross hurricane relief fund" We've had a
great response. We tell our customers- "Get a great buy and make a
donation all at the same time."
We are in New Jersey and not affected by this tragedy but we want to help.
Just some thoughts- We in the consignment/resale industry provide a
service to the community every day. I'm sure I am not the only shop owner
who has had customers say "Thank You for being here."
Let's face it- we make a nice living but we don't get rich doing what we
do. I've been in business for over 21 years and the rewards have been much
more than monetary.
I would like to make a suggestion- Let's all do whatever we can to help
the victims of Katrina and report back here what we were able to
contribute. It would be so gratifying for all of us to know that our
industry joined together during this crisis. We started collecting on
Thursday Sept 1 so I will check back and report a weekly total. Godspeed!
Glenda at Caprice, Edmonton, Alberta Canada:
Deb of shoprevente.com, SC:
I
Carolyn Dickson, Second Sitting
Consignments, St. Louis, MO:
As a new seller of "The
Picker Who Perished" I am donating all proceeds from the book
sales directly to American Red Cross. I put them right next to the cash
register and a sign stating as such. I also am doing the round up jar.
Anything we can do will help. I will be doing a sale, and am also
preparing to get clients involved by donating their unsolds to send to New
Orleans. Any ideas appreciated.
Becky in Montana:
We are having a huge sidewalk
sale next weekend with 100% of the proceeds going to Katrina survivors.
I went through the back room and also pulled all the expired items and
things I was saving to sell on ebay. I even went through the store and
pulled a bunch of store inventory. I retagged all of it in a
"Katrina" account and set the commission to 100% to the
consignor. It will go out on the sidewalk sale at $1 and $2 each. We will
be serving hotdogs, chips and soda for a $2 donation (The sandwich place
next door is pitching in).
We are also asking all our consignors if they would like to donate an item
or two to the "Katrina account". These items will be priced and
put out on the floor at regular price but 100% of the selling price will
be donated to the relief efforts.
We also put out a kettle from the Salvation Army and anyone who puts more
than $1 in the kettle will get an extra punch on their rewards card (we
punch for every $5 spent).
I got 3 radio stations to advertise the event for free and one TV station
and one newspaper so far. I'm waiting to hear back from the other stations
and newspaper but I will buy an ad if I have to.
Even though we are here in Montana people here have been really
supportive.
Please do whatever you can to help out!
Kerri of Childish Things in Colorado:
I set up a table with books
that I'd purchased outright on it. They're great books and we're selling them
for $1 each, with 50 cents each going into our Katrina Fund. I have consignors
donating their books to this account also. People are buying them up quickly. I
sent an email about it to my mailing list and have gotten a great response.
Also, I'm just now clearing off all my summer expired stuff, and guess where
it's all going!! We have a Ford Dealership here in town that has a semi-truck
leaving on Wednesday and is driving all the clothes and other goods collected to
the affected area.
Kate reminds you:
There may or, probably, may
NOT be people at the other end to deal with material donations yet. Consider
holding off until you are sure that your contribution won't be another burden to
bear.
Debbie, My Sister's Closet:
We are trying to help Katrina
victims up here in Montana too. I just thought I would let you all know what we
are doing, and maybe get some more fundraising ideas.
We usually have a sidewalk sale this time of year for our anniversary. This year
we are taking all our store inventory, back room collections, expired items,
etc. and tagging them at $1 or $2 in a special Katrina account. 100% of
these items will go to the salvation army and other funds. We will also have
hotdogs and drinks for sale, with the money going to the cause.
We sent out press releases to every media source we could think of and put up
flyers, we also changed all our radio ads this week to advertise it.
I hope we can raise some money, we usually can bring in $200 to $300 on a
sidewalk sale. It's not a lot, but anything helps right?
We also have a collection bucket from the salvation army and are asking
customers to "round up", I thought that was a great idea.
It is so nice to read these boards and see all the ways everyone is helping. I
can't imagine what it must be like to lose everything like that.
Linda:
As a final, last chance
sale each season, we run a $1-2-3 sale. We put signs on the sale racks saying
"Proceeds from 1-2-3 sale will be donated to American Red Cross hurricane
relief fund" We've had a great response. We tell our customers- "Get a
great buy and make a donation all at the same time."
We are in New Jersey and not affected by this tragedy but we want to help.
Just some thoughts- We in the consignment/resale industry provide a service to
the community every day. I'm sure I am not the only shop owner who has had
customers say "Thank You for being here."
Let's face it- we make a nice living but we don't get rich doing what we do.
I've been in business for over 21 years and the rewards have been much more than
monetary.
I would like to make a suggestion- Let's all do whatever we can to help the
victims of Katrina and report back here what we were able to contribute. It
would be so gratifying for all of us to know that our industry joined together
during this crisis. We started collecting on Thursday Sept 1 so I will check
back and report a weekly total. Godspeed!
Debbie in Florida:
I am donating my store owned items
that I was having in a sale end of season. I decided the victims could use the
clothes more than the $ we are getting for them at this point. We have an
Upscale Ladies Resale Boutique in Florida, so this hits pretty close to home in
the chances that it could have been us. I can't really afford the give $ but
figured I could give what I do have that they could use. We have several trucks
around that are sending shipments over.
Anita Johnson Stockbridge, Ga Upscale Fashions Inc. Consignment Boutique:
We had already planned a
side walk sale before Katrina, but now it has more meaning to it. We have 2
collection jars, inside and out, letting our customers know that we will round
all proceeds to the nearest dollar and then double them at the end of our sale.
Also, this evening all of the items that are left over will be picked-up by a
local church to be taken to New Orleans. Please let us know if you have any
friends that are in the area and need anything. We will help out with as much as
we can.
* Deb's spearheading an event in Columbia SC. She writes on
Thursday Sept. 8:
The concert we organized is tonight to
benefit the Red Cross. We have 3 bands, a set of bagpipers & the African
drum players from the university. An auction is planned for intermission (even
Coach Spurrier donated a signed football!). Everyone from the chamber of
commerce to all of the radio stations & local papers is helping publicize
the event. All of the money from beverage sales + donations will be handed over
to the RC tomorrow.
| Posted on Fri, Sep. 09, 2005 Five Points jams for hurricane aid  By ALLYSON BIRD Staff Writer Taken from http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/12597335.htm A cross-section of Columbia came out to the Five Points fountain Thursday night to catch some live music — and to help out Hurricane Katrina victims. The concert, from 6:30-10:30 p.m., featured the University of South Carolina African drum band, bagpipers, Stillhouse, Hot Lava Monster and Tootie and the Jones. With just a week to plan, the Five Points Association rounded up volunteers to supply entertainment and beverages, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. Thursday’s concert unofficially kicked off the Five After Five concert series for the fall. By 8 p.m., Five Points Association marketing assistant Merritt Brewer said, "The crowd’s already bigger than it’s ever been at Five After Five, and it’s only going to get bigger." QUESTION: Whose idea was it? ANSWER: Debbie McDaniel, owner of Revente consignment store and member of the Five Points Association marketing committee, proposed the concert because she has a friend who owned four consignment stores in New Orleans and still has not located three of her employees. QUESTION: How did the concert raise money? ANSWER: All proceeds, including beer sales, go to the Red Cross. |
Deb tells us on Friday:
We just delivered $9219.00 to the Red
Cross!
Watching an idea spread! Here's a "conversation" that shows how resalers are putting their heads together to build a movement that will help. Terry started out just talking about raising money...but had an idea that others think is marvelous!:
Terry in Pennsylvania:
Our annual Tent Sale consists of renting a
huge tent and selling packed-away expired merchandise & refreshments on the
lawn with proceeds going to local charities. Our customers are now saying
"you're sending the money to Hurricane relief, right??" Starting a
Katrina Account and will post signs saying 100% of profit will go to relief
fund, with suggestion that each consignor put a few items in that account. Will
save some summer stock for our Sister Shops in need. And I think I'll find or
make some of those silly teeshirts that say "Someone in
Pittsburgh Loves You" and send those! Wouldn't it be great if they got tons
of teeshirts from all over the country saying "Someone in
....Loves You!" And of course, lots of prayer.
Carolyn of Baja Rosi's Consignment Cabana
in Victoria, BC, Canada:
The
tee shirt idea is amazing! What if we all got
them done up and SOLD them, profits to victims, purchaser doesn't take
shirt...we consider the shirt "adopted" and send them when they are
all sold...maybe have them autographed? This could become an international
project????
Carolyn puts the pedal to the metal:
I have decided to go ahead
with the t-shirt idea. We are ordering 500 to start with in children's sizes,
and hoping to do far
more in all sizes before we are through. We will have them printed in red print
on white tees (we're Canadians, eh?) and have them say: SOMEBODY
in Victoria, BC loves YOU. A local high school
teacher is getting his classes to sell the shirts, we will sell them in
the store as well and I will approach other
resale stores. It will be a good project for the teens to be involved in. The
t-shirts will be "sold" or "sponsored" and the money will be
added to the victim's fund. When you buy a t-shirt you get to sign a personal
note attached to the shirt with a message of hope. Is there anyone else in
other areas who would like to do this as well? We could share the artwork
and have the campaign go international...the tee shirts are something everyone
will need, and the message will be personal, something to let them know how much
we care around the world. Email me at the shop
and let me know you want to join in. Everyone's ideas are so wonderful it
makes me proud to be a part of an industry of such caring individuals.
Another update from Carolyn:
I am planning to contact Janis
at young&restless about distribution ideas as Texas seems to have the brunt of
the people, also have one of my staff living in Meridian MI while she goes to
school - she may be of some help. The biggest part is going to be where to send
the $$ that is raised as we would like to ensure that it gets straight to
families....not wrapped up in bureaucracy . Any ideas? Helping kids get
ready for school, etc would be a great focus.
We are posting a website called "somebody loves me" and the t-shirt is
now going to say just that...but the loves will be a heart with the Canadian
flag inside and a personal message will be written onto a special card attached to each shirt. The idea is growing as we speak. I am off to contact the screen
printers today. The exciting part is that one staffer's boyfriend is a high
school teacher and he said this is the perfect project for his students -
God provides wings! I am now helping to oversee a project larger than I could
have hoped to do on my own. We hope to raise a lot of money in the
"sponsoring" of each shirt. It is hoped that the personal card attached
to each one will be inviting for people to want to sign, and we are printing
words of encouragement on them in case they just want to sign their name and
where they are from. The shirts will be more generic so anyone who lives in the
smaller communities can still send one without having their city printed ... the
web site is Canadalovesme.com.
October 2005
UPDATE on "Canada Loves Me" T-shirts:
Carolyn forwarded this note from the charity in Columbia SC which received
the Tshirts over 300 people have sponsored:
Getting
clientele involved:
Here's a email sent to her customer list by Lisa Dunn of www.trendyrepeats.com
in Paducah, Kentucky
I am sure most of you have seen the devastation
that hurricane Katrina has left behind. With that said, we at Trendy
Repeats have decided to do our part and donate a portion of our sales to
the hurricane relief fund. All sales made Thursday, Sept 1st through Saturday, Sept 3rd will have a
portion of them donated to the American Red Cross for the hurricane relief
fund.
So come on down and get your fall wardrobe, avon, home decor, formal wear
and more... and know that a portion of your sale will be donated to a
worthy cause.
Thanks!
and Enkore Kids in Frederick MD sent this message in their customer
newsletter:
With the help of Homepro Restoration and the
American Red Cross, Enkore Kids is accepting donations of goods at our
Store throughout Labor Day Weekend and next week as well as at our
Wearhouse (by appointment) next week.
In particular, items that are needed are:
Baby Formula
Clothing of All Sizes (lighter weight, considering the weather)
Bug Spray
Canned Foods
Bedding
Toiletries
Automatically, anything that is brought in for an offer that we cannot
accept for the store, but is still serviceable will also be donated to
this cause until further notice unless you request that it be returned to
you. Enkore Kids will also be donating much of our summer clearance
clothing to those in need.
If you have a lot of items to bring in, please wait until Tuesday, Sept 6,
and call me at 240-674-1859 so I can accept your items directly at the
Wearhouse as our space is limited at the store.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Our prayers and thoughts
continue to be with those devastated by this storm.
Deb in SC suggests something she did, that your clientele might be
interested in doing as well:
I've already got two sponsors for shopping sprees. We're just waiting for things to calm down now.
A refugee mom from Metarie came to my store yesterday, looking for a place to GIVE BACK the items she had been given that won't work for her family. She was charming. I gave her a toy for her little girl, as well as a voucher for a shopping spree when she's more settled: if she didn't think she wanted to use it, she'll pass it along to someone in more need than herself.
My vouchers are valid til Oct 31 - I expect to get the mailing addresses for anyone who redeems it, and we'll try to do something for them at Christmas, too. And I’d like to share with you an email from a friend who worked at the Astrodome:
|
I closed the store yesterday and took my employees and headed for the Dome. We successfully got in to volunteer our time and were able to pass out our donations. I am sending this email to say that Houston is doing a wonderful job. I saw it with my own eyes. They are not allowing media into the Dome in Houston. (for good reason) So, reporters are left to speculate outside set up in the parking lot with their camera crews. I worked until around 11:30 last night in the nursery area. Despite what you
have heard the victims are welcomed into the Dome. Everyone gets and I do mean
everyone: |
Cheryl, Changes:
I spent time with Interfaith
Caring Ministries -sorting piles and piles of clothing and shoes for the
Astrodome and other local shelters. Everyone has been so very generous
with their donations (overflowing at every location) and their time. It
was rewarding to see the sorted boxes shipped out to the shelters.
Desperate need for plus size ladies clothing, underwear as well as
size 11 and up shoes for ladies. Kids items were the first to be picked up
- including shoes - clothing - diapers etc...
As Oprah says, Houston has been an opportunity for these people to make
their lives even better. Proud to be living in Texas and God Bless
Everyone
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