Every purchase of a couch or mattress at Gardner White could help a toddler learn to read.
The Michigan-based furniture retailer has launched “Bring it Home for Kids,” a statewide campaign with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan aimed at building early childhood literacy across the state. A percentage of every furniture and mattress sale will be directed to the foundation, which will distribute funds to early learning programs serving children from birth to age 5.
Gardner White CEO Rachel Stewart said the campaign is rooted in a desire to make a tangible difference in the communities where the company operates.
“We really worked with the Children’s Foundation to identify real need and opportunity, and where we landed is focusing on the 0 to 5 age range,” Stewart said. “Over time, Gardner White’s going to focus on making sure every kid in the state of Michigan is school ready.”
The company has committed a floor of $500,000 to the effort. “We’ve committed a minimum of half a million dollars, but really would love to do more and do it on an annual basis,” Stewart said.
The urgency behind the campaign is rooted in neuroscience. Kelly Brittain, Vice President of Impact for the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, said the early years are a narrow and irreplaceable window.
“The incredible time period of the first five years - about 90% of a child’s brain is being developed,” Brittain said. “We only have about 2,095 days to really set that great foundation for kids to thrive and be school ready.”
Funds raised will go toward expanding access to developmental screenings and parent education programs. “This will increase access and programs that will address early literacy, including those that will help kids that are at risk get developmental screenings and help parents, caregivers, and loved ones become the child’s first teachers,” Brittain said.
In addition to its charitable component, the campaign includes a sweepstakes offering prizes such as Detroit Lions season tickets, design shopping sprees, and VIP tickets to the America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade presented by Gardner White.
You’ll find more information by visiting GardnerWhite.com.