Conscious Capitalist

Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jody Steinhauer, founded the Bargains Group in 1988, a discount wholesaler of promotional business products, clothing, and gifts. “In a nutshell, I buy stuff cheap and sell it cheap,” she says.

When she started the business, Steinhauer was selling mostly to retailers but soon discovered she could leverage her relationships and buying power to help not-for-profits.

“Social service groups were at a disadvantage when they went to procure merchandise for their own needs. With such small budgets they can’t buy in bulk and get the best price because they don’t know what their needs are going to be in advance,” she says. “I can turn $100 dollars into $400 worth of merchandise for them.”

Now, not only does Steinhauer get supplies, such as socks, gloves and toothpaste, for not-for-profits in need, she’s able to act as a conduit between her business clients—private companies, professional service firms, and retailers—who want to help the community but don’t know where to start and the charities she works with.

While satisfying, Steinhauer realized 12 years ago she could still do more. So she channelled her brand of leveraged philanthropy into a cause close to her heart—homelessness. “I grew up taught to be thankful for what I had because so many people have to live without,” she says.

The result was Project Winter Survival. Knapsacks stocked with supplies such as sleeping bags, bottled water and gloves are distributed to the homeless who won’t go into shelters during winter months by social service agencies.

Last year, more than 12,000 of these life-saving kits were requested by agencies that help these people directly.

“My passion has become bringing haves and have not’s together, she says. “Give back where you live.”

How you can help make a difference:
Project Winter Survival is currently looking for new donations. They can always use cash–kits have a value of $165 but you can sponsor a kit for $25–but also need the necessities that go into the kits. While the donations have to be new, items can have a logo or be slightly irregular. Of most interest are knapsacks and sport bags–like the kind you get a conferences–sleeping bags, winter gear, toiletries and snacks. While Steinhauer works with suppliers to get donated items, she must purchase the rest. And all donations are tax deductible and 100% of donations goes to the merchandise in the kits.

For more information, visit Projectwintersurvival.org.