Buying furniture is your opportunity to put your home together the way you want. But did you know that when you shop at certain stores, part of your purchase goes toward charity? Major retailers don’t put every cent of profit into their coffers and call it day. Instead, they put some of what they earn towards charitable initiatives of their own. When you make a purchase, you enable retailers to help more people in your community and even around the world. Learn how you can give back when you spend your hard-earned dollars on furniture that you need.
Pottery Barn
Image via Flickr by Jeepers Media
The Pottery Barn is known for having a distinctive style that combines neutral tones with flair. It’s also part of a corporation that gives to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, supports the AIDS Walk in San Francisco, and gives grants to organizations across the country that help homeless families and children as well as women escaping from domestic violence. Pottery Barn’s parent corporation also encourages associates to volunteer for their favorite cause and gives them paid time for doing so.
In addition, Pottery Barn gives donations, grants, and sponsorships to shelters of its choice. While it doesn’t accept unsolicited requests from local community organizations, it does seek to help community members gain stability in their lives through the shelters it chooses to support.
JCPenney
The venerable retailer sells attractive furniture at an affordable price and in many different styles. Over the years, JCPenney has built up an internal charitable division that works with organizations like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, No Kid Hungry, and more.
It’s an ethos that began with the founder of JCPenney and has continued for over 100 years. The retailer hires military families and veterans and donates products to help combat hunger, assist with education, and keep people healthy. JCPenney also encourages associates to volunteer with their favorite charity and help that charity earn a grant from the retailer.
Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports is known for its exotic styles and unusual furniture pieces that make a home or a room feel as if it came from another part of the world. The retailer also engages in philanthropic efforts with both national and international reach.
Over about two decades, Pier 1 Imports has contributed over $42 million to UNICEF in order to help the foundation reach women and children in need. Pier 1 Imports also works with the United Way of Tarrant County, where its corporate headquarters are located. In addition, the company helps a local elementary school by providing clothing to students identified as having a significant need. Associates shop for children and deliver packages directly to the child in need. It’s a unique way of giving back to the community.
Major retailers put their efforts into charitable giving as a way of becoming a part of the community. Those in need benefit from the purchases that you make in these stores. It’s a small but effective way of giving back from the customer and the corporation.
