A lot of companies claim that they are going to give back to their communities, but how many of them actually do?
Well, head over to Ishpeming High School when their vollyeball team plays and you will see the results of one local company's commitment to give back.
Needle and Thread, a custom clothing shop in Ishpeming, recently donated new uniforms to the volleyball team as part of their "Boost It Program."
"We decided to pick the Ishpeming team because that's my home city," says Needle and Thread owner Scott Martin. "We sell Hematities merchandise here, and we set aside a portion of the Hematite sales for when the schools are doing fundraisers or for special travel costs."
Last year, Needle and Thread donated $200 to help the bowling team travel to the lower peninsula for the state tournament.
In addition to the volleyball uniforms, which would have likely cost the school upwards of $300 to buy for the team, Martin says his company is assessing the need for new basketball uniforms at the high school as well.
And it's not just Ishpeming that the program works for.
"If we sell items in our shop with your school name on it, a portion of that sale goes to the Boost It fund for your school," Martin says.
Currently Needle and Thread sells mostly Gwinn, Munising and Negaunee apparel in addition to Ishpeming. Westwood students have also purchased from the location and Martin is always looking to expand.
And you don't have to be into sports to get clothing custom made there. They also sell hoodies, jackets, coats, ball caps, knit caps, fleece, polos and so many more. They have a full ebroidery and heat seal print shop right in house and Martin does much of the custom designing himself.
"I'd like to add that we buy as many of our clothing items from Michigan wholesalers as possible," Martin says. "Our first choice is always in our home state. As a matter of fact, over 75 percent of our fleece products come from Michigan distributors, as well as 100 percent of our consumables."
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Scott Martin, Needle and Thread
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.