3M CHOOSES NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOR NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF ITS DONATIONS

3M Corporation calls itself a multiproduct, multitechnology, multimarket, and multinational company. There are over 40 divisions within this organization and each division is responsible for its own bottom line. Some of the products that 3M is responsible for producing are, tape, sandpaper, abrasives, overhead projection systems, electrical/electronic connectors, telecommunications equipment, adhesives, Post-It Notes, and many other products for the do-it-yourselfer. 3M, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, also has a broad line of surgical tapes, dressings, bandages, and innovative drug delivery systems.

With all of the products that they manufacture, 3M has times when they have issues with excess inventory. 3M turned to a tried and true method of distributing its donated inventory--NAEIR. NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, accepts donations of overstock, slow selling and discontinued products from U.S. businesses and redistributes them to schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. The companies that donate, earn an above cost federal income tax deduction that can be up to twice the cost of the goods.

“We have a program in which we donate our products to schools and nonprofits in Minnesota,” said Kelli Novak, 3M’s Volunteer Program Coordinator. “But when it comes to distributing our products across the entire country, we rely on established networks like NAEIR.”

With a donation history that goes back to 1985 and over 100 individual donations, 3M ranks as one of NAEIR’s oldest and most generous contributors.

Novak, who coordinates the donations for 3M’s Corporate Contributions at the company’s headquarters, says the process takes the hassle out of placing their products in the hands of deserving, qualified schools and nonprofits all over the United States.

“Our divisions contact me when they have product to donate. I call NAEIR’s Corporate Relations Department and send samples or a list. The items get proposed to the Donation Review Committee, I get called back with approval and I take care of the paperwork on our end,” Novak said.

Since 1985, 3M has donated products such as tape, abrasives, computer accessories, cleaning supplies, insulation, and office supplies. All of these items have saved NAEIR’s member organizations money.

“We’re glad that NAEIR can help us find deserving homes for these products,” Novak added.

“Helping people is the main focus of 3M’s Corporate Contributions area. NAEIR, through its very diverse membership, helps us do that in an effective way.” 

INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTOR DONATES TO ASSIST SCHOOLS AND NONPROFITS

With over 600 locations throughout North America and 1,900 customer service associates, Grainger is the leading industrial distributor of products to keep facilities and equipment running.

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Grainger has experienced steady growth, thanks to its unwavering focus on the needs of its customers.

However, there are times when customer's needs change and the parts or supplies they order from Grainger don’t meet their needs.

In order to help with their excess inventory problem, Grainger enlisted the help of NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, located in Galesburg, Illinois. NAEIR accepts donations of overstock, slow selling, and discontinued products from U.S. businesses and redistributes them to schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. The companies that donate, earn an above cost federal income tax deduction that can be up to twice the cost of the goods.

“Our participation in NAEIR’s program was a logical choice for us because it gives us an opportunity to reach a large group of schools and nonprofits throughout the country,” said Susan Kessler, Grainger’s Community Relations Manager.

Grainger has approximately 400 branches throughout all 50 states. Kessler said NAEIR’s national network of members lets the company make a positive difference in the communities it serves.

Over the years, Grainger has donated such things as power and hand tools, heaters, fans, safety equipment, ladders, safety supplies, air compressors, flashlights, drill bits, gloves, aprons, cutting tools, and motors.

“The products Grainger donates to NAEIR are primarily discontinued items and certain products unique to customers who no longer require them,” Kessler explained.

“These products are donated in their original condition.”

“A number of departments within our company are involved in the donation process, including Field Inventory, Finance, Product Management, and Operations,” Kessler stated.

She also noted NAEIR’s donation process/distribution system and Grainger’s logistics network have worked well together to quickly put industrial supplies in the hands of schools and nonprofits that need them.

Kessler said that the program meshes well with Grainger’s philosophy of giving back.

“We feel a sense of responsibility to help make the communities we serve better places to live, work and go to school. Knowing our products will be well received gives us a great sense of satisfaction, which only helps reinforce our commitment to our local communities.”

70 CONTRIBUTIONS AND COUNTING FROM VETERAN DONOR

From the dental chair to the recall card to the filling for your cavity, Colwell Systems products may play a large but silent part in your next trip to the dentist.

Colwell’s product line includes recall cards, patient education materials, billing and insurance forms, patient record forms, filing cabinets, labels, and hygiene items.

Colwell Systems, based in Champaign, Illinois, is no exception when it comes to excess inventory problems. Marketing at Colwell comes up with a deactivation list of products that it wants to clear in six months. The questions is, what happens to that product?

Those items that Colwell designates have been donated to NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, located in Galesburg, Illinois. NAEIR accepts donations of overstock, slow selling, and discontinued products and redistributes them to schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. The companies, like Colwell Systems, that make a donation, earn an above cost federal income tax deduction that can be up to twice the cost of the goods.

The products that Colwell donates to NAEIR are typically discontinued items that have been updated or weeded out of the catalogs. Over the past 16 years, Colwell has donated such things as medical and dental forms, clinical supplies, office products, paper, envelopes, gift and houseware items, shelving, toys, and stickers.

Convenience and a nationwide distribution network are what keep Colwell coming back to NAEIR, according to Linda Heiser, Colwell’s Inventory Statistics Analyst, who coordinates product donations.

“Donating inventory through NAEIR makes it easier for us,” Heiser said. “Everyone here who is involved with it likes the way this relationship works.”

“Our Accounting Department likes it, too. We get the deduction, and after all these years, the process has become old hat for them,” Heiser added.

Heiser also says that it is gratifying to everyone at Colwell to see their products going to these worthwhile causes. Their items can help these organizations operate more smoothly and save them money as well.

To find out more about NAEIR and about becoming a donor, call NAEIR’s Corporate Relations Department at 1-800-562-0955 or go towww.naeir.org.

1989 MARKS THE FIRST DONATION BY POPULAR TOY COMPANY

When Russ Berrie started his company in 1963, he had $500 in capital and a rented New Jersey garage. The first plush creatures he introduced to the country were Fuzzie Wuzzies, followed by the rubbery Bupkis Family, and the Sillisculpts. The company expanded rapidly and in 1992, kids all over the world discovered the same unexplainable attraction their parents had for Troll dolls in the 60’s. Those goofy dolls became the hottest retail product of the year with Russ having record annual sales.

However, there are times when Russ Berrie, and other companies like them, have inventory problems. Most of the products Russ makes are hits and almost jump off the store shelves, but some do not meet sales expectations. Those items are identified by many departments within the company. What happens to those items?

Some of the excess is cleared through liquidators and some is donated to charitable organizations. One of the organizations that Russ Berried discovered is NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, located in Galesburg, Illinois. NAEIR accepts donations of overstock, slow selling, and discontinued products and redistributes them to schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations nationwide.

The companies making the donations earn an above cost federal income tax deduction than can be up to twice their cost of the goods.

“The products we donate to NAEIR represent our overstocks,” said Bill Hammer, Director of Inventory Control at Russ Berrie, headquartered in Oakland, NJ.

The Russ policy is not to keep slower moving products in inventory, but rather to move on to products with greater potential in the market place. The preference is to donate the best of these slower selling items to charity.

Some of the items Russ Berrie has donated include, kitchen magnets, posters, bumper stickers, stuffed animals, pencil sharpeners, picture frames, dolls, key rings, and novelty items.

NAEIR member organizations are probably most familiar with the popular Troll Dolls that have been frequently donated over the years. Trolls have been a big donation in the past year.

Hammer said his experience in working with NAEIR has been a positive one.

“I have nothing but good things to say about the professionalism of the people I’ve worked with at NAEIR. They are very accommodating and respond promptly to our requests. I have not heard of any problems from our Distribution or Accounting people in their dealings with NAEIR,” Hammer said.

He added that he enjoys reading about the schools and nonprofit organizations that receive products through NAEIR. It makes it very meaningful to see Russ Berrie products going to children and adults who appreciate them.

If you would like more information about donating to NAEIR, call the Corporate Relations Department at 1-800-562-0955 or log on towww.naeir.org.