I Need a Company to Match My Shoe Donation

Updated on September 05, 2008
L.P. asks from Clearwater, FL
5 answers

Ok, this may sound a little unconventional, but for my son's 1st birthday I am refusing to give in to my husbands side of the family and have a big hoopla for a 1 year old. I find that a 1 year old getting $500+ in gifts is just selfish especially in todays world (with so many need children). To compromise, since my son is both mine and my husband's child, I have decided to allow the party, but not the gifts.. well not for my son at least. I will only be accepting gifts in the form of shoes OR gift cards (to purchase more shoes). I am hoping to find a company who will match the donations by 50-100%. I am just starting this planning process, and I am not sure what charity I am going to donate to, as the company who would be willing to match may have a preference. My son's birthday isn't even until December, but I have faith that I will find a company wiling to help out and I can only imagine what a practical and wonderful gift a new pair of shoes would be- especially since this will be right around Christmas time. I know many mom's on here either work for companies who help with things like this, or perhaps they own or their husbands own companies who would be willing to help. Also, being that the shoes would be donated to a charity they would be a tax write off. I hope to at least get 50-100 pairs of shoes ( this may not sound like a whole lot, but if a company can match my donation, the number would double and make a difference to several families). A friend and I organized a canned food drive in the 5th grade without any help from parents or the school and it was a great success, I am several years older now and far more experienced in life- I know I can do this. If anyone has any advice or knows of a great company that would be willing to help, please let me know. I would really like to make this happen.

Thanks!

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A.G.

answers from Tampa on

My suggestion would be to contact a financially secure, good sized local business that has a reputation for giving back to the community. National and International businesses often have to go through so many channels to get something like this done, it may be a headache.

Being new to the area, I don't know much about the local businesses. One that does stand out as a possibility is Brighthouse. It seems big and well established here, but I had never heard of it until a few months ago. I found this info on them: "Public affairs, social responsibility and community involvement continue as major initiatives for the company as an ongoing commitment to the families and communities Bright House Networks serves.

It would be a good idea to research some charities beforehand. You can narrow down the choices to the best ones. That way,when you contact the potential donor business, you have your ducks in a row and have a clear plan. That is important to businesses. If you choose a religious or faith-based organization, keep in mind a business like Brighthouse might shy away.

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K.B.

answers from Tampa on

Oprah had a women on recently who started a drive for pajamas and now has an organization that collects and distributes these to kids in group homes (who didn't even know what pajamas were). Maybe someone else can remember the name of her organization. That might be more fun as far as your guests go. People love to buy pajamas and they are not too expensive. Just an idea. I think what you are doing is great! Let us know how it works out.

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D.W.

answers from Tampa on

Hi L.,
I work and volunteer with nonprofits and would love to offer some help. Is there a charity close to your heart you would like to help? Why shoes? Maybe you could do something with March of Dimes? They have the walk each year in March for premature babies (also the paper shoes you can "buy" for a donation in the store). Or something with Metropolitan Ministries? You could do starting around starting the new year on the right foot? I am sure any charity would feel blessed to have your support.

We did a donation for our baby's first birtday as well. I think it is a special gift and the start of a tradition of giving!
Danielle

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L.S.

answers from Tampa on

What a wonderful idea!!!

My only idea of a comapany that might do the match is maybe Mike or Reebok. I do have an idea of a place to donate that would really help less fortunate children. It's called "Clothes For Kids" and is located in Clearwater. They allow low income children from K - 12 grade to come in and pick out several outfits (and shoes) 2 times a year. It is a not for profit, run mostly by volunteers and all the clothes are donated. The store is set up like a dept store and is truly a wonderful place. I know they would be so grateful for your shoes!
Good luck!

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T.G.

answers from Tampa on

I don't know about a company to match your donation, but my sons preschool class is collecting shoes to donate to Soles for Souls. I really don't know much about but I'm sure a google search would find something. I think it's a great idea you have!

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