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.”