The goal of Nearby Registry is to connect shoppers with local businesses.
Conceived in 2009 and launched this spring, the website works in a few ways. Shoppers can pick out items for themselves or others through online storefronts or someone can create a wish list featuring everything they’ve ever wanted from a business right down the street.
Nearby serves businesses throughout New Hampshire and has recently expanded to Seattle, but it also works with nonprofits to help get the word out. And this is the time of year when those nonprofits seem to need a little extra help with the holidays right around the corner.
“They are such an important part of our communities,” said Gina Grappone, who grew up in Concord and is now based in Seattle heading up the Pacific Northwest pision. “We were really intrigued as to the way nonprofits could sell things on the site.”
One of those nonprofits, OutFITters Thrift Store on South Main Street, is using Nearby as another avenue to receive donations. Every cent that OutFITters brings in goes directly to Families in Transition, an organization based in Concord and Manchester that provides housing and social services to homeless families in those areas.
“If people donate, all the proceeds go to Families in Transition,” said Michele Talwani, director of marketing for the non-profit. “Whether people buy a gift card or they donate, 100 percent goes back to Families in Transition.”
Unlike most stores that post inpidual items for purchase on Nearby, OutFITters’s inventory is based on donations, so the chances they have more than one of a specific item is slim. The thrift store has new and gently used clothing, as well as furniture, books and items for around the house.
“A non-profit could also have their own wish list and people could buy things off the wish list for them,” said Grappone, who always keeps a couple donations on her personal wish list. “We’d love if people used our site to help and give back. We want to raise awareness to what they do.”
So OutFITters has two different options on its storefront – you can make a donation or buy a gift certificate. And no matter which is chosen, the money goes directly to those in the community that need it most, minus a 5 percent processing fee for the website.
“People want to support local businesses and this is a great way for inpiduals to do that,” said Talwani. “And this is a great way to get Families in Transition’s mission out there. If you want to support a local non-profit that is helping people in your community, we’re it.”
There is also another option that would take a little bit more time and coordination on the part of the shopper, but could help to brighten up the holiday season for a family in need. Since there are gift certificate options at many of the storefronts, someone could purchase a gift certificate for a store and then donate it to an organization that will get it to someone who could use it. It could put a smile on the faces of a few area families on Christmas morning.
The New Hampshire Food Bank, based in Manchester, is the only food bank in the state and serves more than 400 agencies around the state, including Concord. On the food bank’s Nearby storefront, there are options to purchase 50 to 500 meals.
“Even with the donations, it’s done in an interesting way,” said Grappone. “We want nonprofits to sign up. It’s another way to get the word out.”
It is the time of year where people really need your help and Nearby Registry is doing what it can to spread the word – one non-profit at a time.
