Generous or Not: Pier 1 Imports

About Generous or Not

Many companies promise to make a charitable donation with each purchase. But how much do they give?, Are they really doing good, or are these just cynical ploys to capture our money? How do you know if the companies are GenerousOrNot? That’s what we’re here for.

If companies want to promise that our purchases will do good in the world, we think they should say exactly what they’ll do. What percent of sales, what percent of profits, or what amount per purchase? We did the research. Read on to find the info you need. If you know of other offers for us to list, please email us at submit@GenerousOrNot.org

Of course, when you buy merchandise from a company that donates some small percentage to a nonprofit, well, only that small percentage of your money is helping make the world a better place.

Further, many of our friends have enough fruitcakes, picture frames and pen & pencil sets. They just don't want more stuff, even if some portion does go to charity. A better way to honor them and to do a lot more good might be to make a donation in their name.

A new website, www.ChangingThePresent.org, makes it easy and meaningful. You can choose not just what nonprofit to support, but exactly what you want to accomplish, e.g., an hour of a cancer researcher’s time, books for children, drugs for AIDS patients, shelter for the homeless, computers for schools, polio vaccines, meals for the homebound elderly, acres of the rainforest, etc. Wish lists, registries and personalized printed greeting cards make it even better and easier.

Imagine what we could accomplish if we could capture for nonprofits even a little bit of the $250 billion that Americans spend each year on birthday, wedding, and holiday gifts.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Komen Candle and Komen Jewelry Box

Product: Komen Candle and Komen Jewelry Box

Pier 1 and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation joined together in 1991 to help in the fight against breast cancer. All of us have been affected by breast cancer in some way and through this partnership with the Komen Foundation, Pier 1 hopes to make a difference in fighting this life-threatening disease. During their 14-year relationship, Pier 1 has donated several million dollars to the foundation and is a member of Komen’s Million Dollar Council.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the foundation is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease and does so through research grants, educational and community outreach programs, fundraising efforts and corporate partnerships like the one with Pier 1.

Company explanation: http://www.pier1.com/company/philanthropy.aspx

Donation: 25% of the Komen Candle; 25% of the Komen Jewelry Box

Nonprofit beneficiary: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Use of funds: Support the fight against breast cancer.

When: Ongoing

UNICEF Greeting Cards

Product: UNICEF Greeting Cards; Gift Cards

Since its relationship with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF began in 1985, Pier 1 has contributed over $21 million to the organization. Pier 1 is committed to UNICEF and its goal to improve the lives of children around the world. With the funds raised by Pier 1, UNICEF is able to provide lifesaving medicines, vaccines, nutritious foods, primary education, clean water and sanitation, and emergency relief for millions of children and women in over 158 countries and territories.

Established in 1947, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has worked alongside the United Nations Children's Fund by raising support for its programs and increasing public awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. As the oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, the U.S. Fund is part of a global effort to advance humanity with health, education, equality and protection for every child.

Company explanation: http://www.pier1.com/company/philanthropy.aspx

Donation: 100% of UNICEF greeting cards; $1.20 per $50 gift card during Mother’s Day Holiday

Nonprofit beneficiary: UNICEF

Use of funds: Improve the lives of children around the world

When: Ongoing

About Generous or Not

Monday, November 13, 2006

Komen Candle and Komen Jewelry Box

UNICEF Greeting Cards

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