I decided to start The Giving Store because I wanted to find a way to make a difference throughout the year. As a mother of two there are many issues that are important to me and I want to increase the ones I support.
Until now, as a family we could only donate money to a couple causes a year spending $50 to $100 at a time. Restricted by funds I would feel guilty choosing one of many important issues. Around the holidays I donate toys. I participate in my son's annual school fund raiser. When someone passes away I give a memorial donation in their name. I purchase, when the opportunity is presented, specialty items that a portion of the proceeds benefited a cause. Although I give, it feels inconsistent and small.
That's where The Giving Store makes a difference. You buy unique, quality products for yourself and others. Only each time you buy an item, 10% of the retail price is donated to one of many causes. Each cause has one or more non-profit(s) for you to choose as a recipient for the donation. To continue the goal of making a difference, The Giving Store offers handcrafted, all-natural, recycled, and/or eco-friendly items. Gift certificates are available and a great way to give the gift of giving.
The Giving Store has 11 causes. We have designed a line for each cause with its own name, logo, color, and if applicable scent. You can shop a cause supporting what means the most to you. Or you can shop by product supporting multiple causes. As we grow so will our causes, non-profits, and products to widen the impact of donations.
The Giving Store secondary goal is to promote and increase awareness for these important issues. You will find basic information relating to each cause and links to specific non-profit sites are available. We encourage visiting these sites to make direct donation and Memorial donations. The Giving Store hopes to ignite involvement whether it be writing your congressman or volunteering locally.
The Giving Store invites companies to get involved. All of our products make great corporate gifts for employees and customers. The Giving Store understands how keeping your company in your customer’s mind is crucial to the success of your growth. What better way to be memorable while saying you care about our world with recycled promotional products from The Giving Store. These promotional items will have 10% of the retail price benefiting a cause of your choice and are coming soon.
If you're like me, and you wish there was more you could support. Wish there was more you could give. Wish there was more you could do. Then start the cycle by supporting The Giving Store and let your purchases give back. Shopping never meant so much!
Nicole Gross was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from the Orange School District. Nicole attended E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Here she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Science. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for 11 years. They reside in Solon, Ohio with their two children, ages eight and one.
Nicole has always excelled in sales, marketing, and creativity. She has an interest in people and the betterment of mankind. Growing up in a family business, she knows the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed. The Giving Store’s concept was created by Nicole in April of 2007, and within five short months became a reality.
Nicole feels The Giving Store will widen the impact of donating with multiple causes and the variety of Eco-friendly products. She plans on continually expanding the causes and products. “Since there are many requests to add causes, I have found that what people feel the strongest about are causes affecting others rather than themselves.”
Nicole believes in growing not only with customers, but also with the manufacturers for her products. “I encourage customers to let us know the causes they would like to see added. The Giving Store is their store.” She also offers cross-promotions with manufacturers and The Giving Store’s supporters.
Nicole knows that corporations can make a big impact by purchasing from The Giving Store for corporate gifts to employees and customers. She is currently in talks with a recycled promotional products manufacturer. “I have been in sales my whole life. It would be so much easier to leave a lasting impression on prospective customers with a promotional item that also says ‘I care about our world.’”.