Businesses partner with United Way to help families

This November, shopping local will do more than support small businesses — it will help local families in need. United Way of St. Johns & Putnam Counties is launching “Shop Local. Support Local Families,” a week-long community giving campaign taking place Nov. 16-22, bringing together local businesses and residents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their neighbors.

Throughout the week, participating restaurants, retailers and service providers will offer special products, promotions and give-back opportunities, donating a portion of proceeds to United Way to support local families struggling to cover basic necessities.

Today, one in three families in St. Johns County and one in two families in Putnam County are struggling to make ends meet. Many are working hard but finding that rising costs of housing, groceries, transportation and other essentials are outpacing their earnings. Funds raised through the campaign will help United Way provide critical assistance to families facing financial hardship.

“Every week, we hear from local families who are working hard but simply can’t keep up with the cost of living. Sometimes it’s a car repair, an unexpected medical bill or a utility payment that pushes a family into crisis,” said Carl F. Cricco III, president and CEO of United Way of St. Johns & Putnam Counties. “Shop Local. Support Local Families. is about bringing our community together in a way that benefits everyone. Residents can support their favorite local businesses, businesses can attract new customers, and together we can make a real difference for families who need a helping hand.”

Participating Businesses and Special Offers

Residents are encouraged to visit the following participating businesses and take advantage of these special promotions:

• Catch 27 — Nov. 16-22: All proceeds from the United Way St. Augustine Old Fashioned, featuring St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon, will benefit United Way.

• CCC Wellness — Nov. 16-22: $10 donated for every qualifying $100-plus gift card purchase or new facial appointment.

• Cookiebird Ice Cream — Nov. 21: 10% of all sales will be donated.

• Vibe Nutrition — Nov. 16-22: $2 from every United Way Specialty Tea sold will be donated. On Nov. 21, 10% of all sales will also benefit United Way.

• The Kookaburra — $1 from every bag of Burundi coffee beans sold at all St. Augustine locations. 

• Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill — Nov. 16-22: $5 from every United Way Burger sold will be donated.

• Sunday Everyday — Nov. 16-20: All proceeds from sourdough loaf sales will be donated.

• Petey’s Beer & Wine Garden — November 16–22: 5% of seasonal fall menu sales will be donated. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

• One Twenty Three Burger House — Nov. 13-20: $1 from every King Street Classic Burger sold will be donated.

• WOW Windowboxes St. Augustine — Nov. 16–22: 10% of all sales will be donated.

• The Detail Shop — Nov. 16-22: 50% of every bronze package purchase will be donated.

• Surf Station — Donated to the initiative but does not have a specific promotion.

“This campaign is a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require writing a check,” added Cricco. “It can be as simple as grabbing an ice cream, enjoying dinner with your family or shopping at a local business. When we all participate, those everyday purchases can add up to something extraordinary for our community.”

Shop Local. Give Back. Make a Difference.

United Way encourages residents to shop and dine at participating businesses throughout the campaign, try something new and spread the word to friends, family and neighbors.

From Nov. 16 to 22, choose local businesses that give back. Every purchase is an opportunity to support our local economy while helping families right here in our community.

For more information about Shop Local. Support Local Families. and participating businesses, go to www.unitedway-sjc.org/shoplocal