To give back to the community who has allowed her business to thrive, Kimberly Ann Calos, the longtime owner of Petersburg Pickers, is excited to announce a new program. Simply put: her store will be selling brooches and handbags to raise funds for a rotating roster of local organizations and individuals with urgent humanitarian and social justice needs.
“2020 was particularly challenging to us, but we managed to find success amidst the darkness of the year thanks to support from many faithful and many new patrons, a generous grant from the city of Petersburg, and a hefty SBA loan. Now it's my turn to keep that goodwill that was extended to me moving forward,” said Calos.
The Brooching the Subject and Give A Hand-Bag programs will leverage what is often the shop’s best sellers: jewelry and handbags. 50% of the price of all brooches and pins sold at Petersburg Pickers will be donated, as will 50% of the sale of special embellished handbags.
In an effort to build awareness for critical organizations, and to spread the love around, donations will go to a roster of rotating nonprofits based on their level of urgent need. For January, donations will go directionally to CARES, an organization that for over 35 years has been supporting women and children in crisis in the tri-cities area with shelter and service.
“My hope is that in addition to raising money we can bravely broach subjects that sit silent, and give a hand to those who most need it. Thus, the name of the program! I wouldn’t be where I am without tough conversations or the helping hand of others,” said Calos.
If all goes well, Petersburg Pickers hopes to expand the Brooching the Subject and Give A Hand-Bag programs to be available for on-line purchases so that those in and out of the area can play a part.
Stay tuned!
#PinItToWinIt #ChecktheBaggage
