Here’s how neighborhood stores give back
Veteran organizations, youth education and youth sports are among the top recipients of support from neighborhood hardware stores.
That’s one of the findings of the latest Biannual Community Involvement Survey from Ace Hardware. The survey generated responses from 110 retail stores, and found that 63% of retailers support veteran organizations. The data also showed that youth education, youth sports, local business commerce, and local emergency response are organizations supported by most respondents.
“Our retailers, who are hard-working small business owners, are passionate about giving back to the neighborhoods they serve,” said Kane Calamari, president of the Ace Hardware Foundation. “Whether it’s sponsoring a Little League team or supporting those who have served our country, Ace’s unique co-op business model empowers retailers to give back to their communities.”
Key findings from this year’s survey include:
98% of retailers who participated in the survey donated money, products, or services to any non-profit or charitable organization or cause.
86% contributed to youth education and advocacy programs, such as Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4H Club, Future Farmers of America, local school(s), other local youth education/advocacy programs, etc.
85% contributed to local business commerce organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, etc.
83% contributed to youth sports activities such as Little League, Peewee Football or Cheerleading, local school teams, other local teams, etc.
67% contributed to local emergency response, such as their fire department, police department, etc.
In addition to local philanthropic efforts, Ace and its retailers continue to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at the national level through the Ace Hardware Foundation, reinforcing Ace’s history and commitment of supporting youth-based organizations. Since the Ace Hardware Foundation was established in 1991, Ace Hardware retailers, vendor partners and corporate team members have helped raise more than $82 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, with more than $10 million donated in 2016 alone.