Delivering Good is a non-profit organization that offers people in crisis new merchandise donated by manufacturers and retailers. Since 1985, Delivering Good has distributed $3 billion in clothing, home goods, toys, furniture, books and other consumer products to families facing economic, medical, social and environmental challenges. More recently, Delivering Good held a gala in New York City and raised more than $2 million in donations.

Debra Joester, president, chief executive officer, Joester Loria Group, is a board member of Delivering Good and has helped the non-profit attain goods and volunteered to distribute clothing to those in need.

“When tragedies strike and families lose their homes and everything they own, the need is tremendous,” says Joester. “We start with the important basics, including socks, undergarments and apparel and work with local organizations to quickly distribute these much-needed goods. I am always heartened by the generous and quick response we get from companies large and small when disasters hit.” In October, Licensing International announced it would utilize its more than 1,500 member companies to partner with Delivering Good and include a clause in future licensing agreements that designates the charity as the destination for excess or unused inventory.

“Delivering Good looks forward to working with licensors and licensees to provide opportunities for them to make a social and sustainable impact with their businesses,” says Merrie Keller, director, product procurement, Delivering Good. “Together, we can showcase the impact and generosity of the licensing industry and inspire others to participate in this simple, sustainable solution.

“JLG donates thousands of products, primarily apparel, annually and encourages licensees to make Delivering Good their charity of choice for product donations, says Joester. “This holiday season, JLG is compiling gift boxes that include books, toys, socks and store gift cards for distribution by a Delivering Good agency to families living in homeless shelters. As a board member, I support Delivering Good with donations and introduce friends and colleagues to our work. I try to attend product distributions at least once a year. Seeing Delivering Good’s impact and the joy new products brings to families is a great motivator to do even more to support the mission.”

The holiday shopping week, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is ending today. How can the licensing community further support Delivering Good for Giving Tuesday?

“The licensing industry can be extremely helpful in broadening the awareness about Delivering Good and our work connecting excess merchandise with individuals and families facing adversity,” says Keller. “Through inclusion in activities like events, industry communications, and speaking opportunities, new partnerships can be developed – colleagues and competitors joining together to create positive impact for people and the planet.”

Donate to Delivering Good on #GivingTuesday at delivering-good.org