Businesses face many community requests

Local businesses support a variety of community causes from schools to nonprofits. When hit by frequent requests, some merchants and corporations have adopted written policies or directed giving to an umbrella organization such as the United Way.

Simply Northwest, a Spokane Valley store with specialty foods and gourmet gift baskets, is one example of a store that found a need to create a policy.

Owner De Scott said her business gets donation requests 15 to 20 times a week.

“That is, of course, from nonprofits for benefit auctions, golf tournaments, kids playing sports, the all-nighters; you name it – we are hit up all the time,” said Scott.

She asks people to write a formal letter, and someone with her business always responds.

“We’ve had to incorporate a policy about who we can give to,” she said. “We review each request, and our policy is to contribute to causes benefiting women and children.”

In the past four years, Simply Northwest has given more than $90,000 to Children’s Home Society of Washington and also contributes to Avista’s Share the Warmth Program and the Deaconess Children’s Foundation.

“I believe in giving back,” Scott added.

“I’ve been in business 18 years, and yes, the requests are up because there is more need out there.

“You just have to sift through it and decide what is near and dear to your heart.”