As we were just reminded on "Small Business Saturday," the holiday shopping season can have a huge impact on local economies. Although your intuition probably already confirms this, a recent complication of scholarly studies from around the nation also substantiates this yet again (see "The Civic Economics of Retail").
For instance, researchers conclude that for every $100 a consumer spends at an independent retailer, $45 stays local. Other studies put the figure even higher -- as much as $68 per $100! The corresponding effect on local job creation and wage earnings is equally satisfying -- especially to a workforce development organization like us who seeks to provide living wage jobs to those who've experienced employment barriers.
Whether it's at Second Chance, Inc. in Baltimore or somewhere else in your hometown, as you shop this holiday season, consider heeding the call to SHOP LOCAL for at least some of your gifts. As exciting as yesterday's "Cyber Monday" deals may have been, in the final analysis we all benefit from community-centered consumers!
And while you're shopping for that perfect gift, keep in mind that the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as "Giving Tuesday." This national movement is distinguished by it's encouragement to donate to nonprofit charities like Second Chance.
If you'd like to contribute toward the advancement of our multifaceted mission to retrain, reclaim and renew, consider shopping here, donating tax-deductible finances or resellable items, volunteering, and/or sharing about us with other people. These are great ways to help our fellow neighbors and communities during this Season of Giving.
Let's remember that we don't have to be rich to make a difference. It's about ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary good! After all, as Sir Winston Churchill so aptly said: "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give!"
Grateful for your generosity,
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