Double Wrap
By Margaret Briller
If you’re looking for holiday gifts, consider gifts that give back. We’ve got local places that will parlay your purchase into a charitable donation.
Tucked in the corner of the Strongsville Pointe strip center, Graeley & Company in Strongsville sells gift items and keepsakes like nora fleming platters and dishes. You’ve probably seen them if you enjoy boutique shopping. The pieces are personalized with removable miniature ceramic “minis” such as a Christmas tree or a birthday cake to customize the dishware, seasonally or by event. The line has raised more than $552,000 to support patients and families at St. Jude since its inception of the minis in 2018.
Graeley also sells Warmies®, microwavable plush animals that provide warmth and a soothing lavender aroma. These cuddly animals offer both comfort and companionship for all ages. The stuffed animal brand has donated 18,000 plush toys to the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge Program.
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with the American Heart Association in such a meaningful way,” says Scott Wehrs, president of Warmies. “We firmly believe that our products can make a difference in students’ lives by promoting relaxation and making heart-healthy choices.”
Tracy Lehnecker, the owner of Graeley and Company, has found that the need to help is based on the needs of the community. “Whether we are called upon to rally behind a specific cause in the community due to illness or tragedy, we have found so many causes that touch our hearts. For example, before the pandemic, we would raise funds for Wreaths for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery so that ultimately every grave will have a wreath at Christmas.”
Graeley & Company is located at 14397 Pearl Rd., Strongsville. 440-572-1990. Retail store hours through Christmas: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Online orders: graeleyandco.com
King Nut Companies (including Peterson’s) in Solon also enjoy their long-standing tradition of donating to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
“Every year, we donate $1 to the Cleveland Food Bank for every tin of our Ultimate Mixed Nuts that is purchased,” says Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Matthew R. Kanan. “This provides about 9,500 meals each year for the Cleveland Food Bank. World hunger is very important to us at King Nut as well as locally. The reason we do this is to try to end hunger in Cleveland.”
King Nut/Peterson’s Retail Store is located at 30600 Carter St., Solon. Phone orders: 440-498-4378. Retail store hours through Christmas: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Online orders: kingnut.com
If you’re looking for quality holiday décor, collectibles and upcycling treasures on a budget, a drive to Medina’s Life’s Treasures Thrift Shop is a gem of a find for your shopping list. Everything in the shop—clothing, furniture, artwork and more—is generously donated by community members. Proceeds benefit the patients and loved ones of HMC Hospice of Medina County. The hospice is an affiliate of Hospice of the Western Reserve, a nationally acclaimed nonprofit agency providing care in a variety of settings. Hospice of the Western Reserve is Ohio’s first and largest nonprofit hospice, caring for more than 100,000 Northern Ohioans since its inception 44 years ago.
Don’t miss the store’s expansive Christmas decor room with thoughtfully displayed, gently used holiday items including hundreds of ornaments.
Life’s Treasures Thrift Shop is located at 317 S. Court St., Medina. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Website: hospicewr.org/resale-shop
Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash
