Oxford, Mich. – As school districts across Michigan and the U.S. face budget cuts that threaten vital programs, a newly launched website offers schools an alternative stream of funding — while promoting the natural interest students have in protecting the environment.
Green Fundraiser Store.com makes hundreds of “green” products available to schools, churches and other community groups for fundraising drives, appealing to people who want to do good and serve their communities when they shop. The products, which can be purchased directly from the website, include “green” cleaning products; pencils made from recycled denim jeans; and even biodegradable doggie-waste bags.
The Green Fundraiser Store website also provides numerous links to online educational information regarding recycling and safe disposal of waste materials. Many of the links can be useful to science, health and social studies teachers who discuss environmental issues in their classrooms. The website also offers books on the environment, coloring books and activity books for students from elementary school to high school.
Green Fundraiser Store.com is the brainchild of Don Sherman, owner of an Oxford-based insurance agency and an active civic leader in the metro area. Sherman’s strong interest in the environment and his background as a middle-school science and math teacher motivated him to develop a website that would offer “green” products for community fundraisers and also educate young people about environmental awareness.
“People gladly support fundraisers for local schools and other worthy causes, but I was convinced they’d be more enthusiastic if they had the chance to purchase something beyond candy, fruitcake and microwave popcorn,” Sherman said. “Green Fundraiser Store.com offers nearly 300 useful and environmentally friendly products, with more to come,” he said. “We are responding to the growing desire people have to buy products that are healthy, easy to recycle or made from recycled materials.”
The website allows organizations interested in fundraisers to register as recognized partners of Green Fundraiser Store.com, and offers suggestions for organizing successful fundraising campaigns.
Green Fundraiser Store.com is a member of MI Green Team, an organization which connects Michigan residents to local “green” and wellness products, services and programs. More than 300 participating organizations comprise MI Green Team, which leads the one of the largest annual green events in the nation: MI Earth Day Fest, held since 2006 in Rochester, Mich.
Green Fundraiser Store.com also has become affiliated with GreeningDetroit.com, which produces an online directory of green products and services and information designed to improve environmental responsibility in Metro Detroit.
Sherman, who is president of Don Sherman Insurance Agency and Financial Services Inc. in Oxford, views his launch and development of Green Fundraiser Store.com as an extension of his community involvement as a business owner. Sherman also is chairman of the Oxford Downtown Development Authority’s Economic Development and Restructuring Committee; serves on the Environmental Committee of Orion Township; and is a member of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce. He has taught in Roseville Community Schools and has been a volunteer at the Detroit Parade Company, which organizes America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each year in downtown Detroit.
Click here to be introduced to Green Fundraiser Store.com
Source: Green Fundraiser Store.com
