Tag: donation spotlight

Donation Spotlight: WhatCanWe.org

Recently we had the chance to get involved with a wonderful group called WhatCanWe.org. This fantastic group raises money to help injured and sick animals in shelters to increase their chances of being adopted. We spoke with Beth, the CEO of the organization, and asked her a few questions.

NT: What is the name of your company or organization? Do you have a mission statement?

Beth: The name of our organization is “WhatCanWe.org” our mission is:  WhatCanWe.org raises funds to offset animal rescues’ veterinary costs, which often account for more that 50% of their operating budget. By relieving rescues of this burden, we can help save millions of animals from euthanasia in shelters.

NT: What was donated to you? How did it help your organization?

Beth: Coller Industries(Name Tag, Inc) donated magnetic name badges with our color logo for each of our Board members. This donation will help WhatCanWe.org raise brand awareness, help us with community outreach at events and it will make our Board Members will have a greater sense of belonging and commitment each and every time they proudly place their beautiful Coller name badge above their heart.

NT: If you could describe your company/organization in 3 words what would they be?

Beth: Innovative, Healing, Resourceful… at both ends of the leash.

NT: Do you have any other comments you would like to add?

Beth: I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Coller Industries for integrating generosity into their corporate strategy. Corporate Benevolence is what enables so many needed nonprofit organizations to accomplish their charitable missions. WhatCanWe.org knows that our communities thrive when we find ways to provide “Healing at Both Ends of The Leash”.

On behalf of animals in shelters everywhere we at Coller Industries (Name Tag, Inc.) would like to express our thanks to the people who are donating their time and money to this fantastic cause. We are so happy we had the chance to help.

Donation Spotlight: Bethesda Thrift Shop

Recently, Name Tag, Inc. had the opportunity to make a product donation to Bethesda Thrift Shop in Minnetonka, MN. Bethesda Thrift Shop is a non profit organization that is affiliated with Bethesda Lutheran Communities. This dates back to 1904 (Wow! That is incredible!) and is based in Watertown, WI. We got a chance to talk briefly with Pat Bellefeuille, who is a store manager there. Pat was able to give us some insight into what Bethesda is all about!
Bethesda has 21 thrift shops in 8 states that rely on more that 3,000 volunteers who donate more that 260,000 hours each year. 100% of our net profit goes to support our mission. Pat’s store will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this Feb. It was started in 1993 and was run by all volunteers for the first 17 years.

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Bethesda Thrift Shop’s building.
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Customers browsing the selection at Bethesda.

When we asked if Bethesda Thrift Shop has a mission statement Pat responded:

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ.”

We were able to donate some of our Mighty Badges, and their accessories to the people at Bethesda Thrift. When asked what they would be used for we received a heartfelt answer.

“The name badges were are given as a way to recognize the many hours our volunteers have volunteered. We have some people who have badges with as many as 18,000 hours on them, and many who have 4,000 or more hours. At the end of each year we total the hours for each volunteer, when a they reach 500 hours of volunteering they get their first badge, when they have 1,000 hours they get another one and so on. These badges are worn with much pride by those who have earned them. They are presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet we have each spring. These name badges mean a lot to our volunteers as this is about the only recognition that they get for their many years and hours of selfless service.”

In 2010 they moved from their small store in Hopkins to a much larger 17,000 sq. ft. store in Minnetonka, MN. At that time a full time manager was hired with 2 assistants and 3 part time cashiers to allow the store to be open 7 days a week. In support of their mission they also have 3 people with disabilities who are paid staff. The current staff of about 200 volunteers includes about a dozen people with disabilities some of whom have been volunteering  there for 5 years or more.

What a fantastic organization! They certainly deserve our continued support! Visit their website by clicking the link below, or go and visit them at their store!

Bethesda Thrift Shop
4749 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN. 55345

Click here!