The Christmas shopping season is a long way off, but a few area merchants are getting a jump start.
Tomorrow is the last day for local businesses to sign up to be a part of Family & Children’s Services’ Care Card promotion.
Businesses agree to offer a discount on some merchandise during the Care Card period, this year Nov. 1–11.
Customers can purchase the cards for $50, and those proceeds go to F&CS.
Rochelle Dowdell is special events coordinator for F&CS. She says the money Care Card brings in helps to address more immediate needs.
“A great deal of the money we have is earmarked,” she explained. “Something like Care Card really gives us the money to respond to issues that might come up quickly in the community.”
For merchants, she says, it’s great for business. The card comes with a directory of participants, organized three different ways, so each business is listed multiple times.
“People are flipping through these directories like crazy,” she said. The discounts are usually 20 percent for retail, sometimes 10 percent for restaurants. Merchants can designate their own exceptions.
“It’s just such a win-win situation,” Dowdell said. “Consumers … their money is going to a worthwhile cause, merchants are getting a lot of extra exposure.”
If you’re interested in participating, clickhere for more information and to sign up.