As many of you may be aware, the government passed the Consumer Product Safety Act that went into effect February 10, 2009 prohibiting the selling or reselling of clothes and toys for children 12 and under if they contain more than a specified percentage of lead or a plastic additive called phthalates.
We have just become aware of a fairly affordable testing solution for lead and phthalates. Because of this new option, NAM will begin conducting business as usual regarding the acceptance of ALL donated goods.
Once we have the testing equipment in place, you will once again see children's items for sale in our shops. I have also received calls from volunteers concerned about the NAM's ability to distribute books in our Children's Clinic and throughout the ministry. NAM has received a certificate of safety from the manufacturer which will allow us to continue to distribute new books to children.
We thank you for your patience and support as we continue to work through this process.
Carole
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New Law Poses Challenges for NAM
February was a time of change for NAM, as you may have noticed if you’ve visited any of our three resale shops recently. As a community organization, we pride ourselves on striving to serve the basic human needs of our neighbors at all stages of life, from infants to seniors. However, new regulations for the sale and distribution of children’s items have presented us with a challenge in meeting some of the needs of children in our community.
On Feb 10, 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act took effect, prohibiting the selling or reselling of clothes and toys for children 12 and under if they contain more than a specified percentage of lead or a plastic additive called phthalates.
There has been much confusion surrounding the new law and its application to resale stores, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has clearly stated that although resellers are exempt from testing and certifying children’s merchandise, they will still be held liable for any merchandise they sell that contains the contaminants.
We do our best to ensure that NAM is in compliance with all federal and state regulations, and so we have chosen to discontinue the sale and distribution of merchandise for children 12 and under in our resale shops as well as our programs.
We know NAM and our supporters care about the safety of our children. In fact, many of our programs work to ensure the security, health and well-being of children on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, although this law was passed with good intentions, it seems like it has been interpreted quite broadly. Some services that NAM once provided for families and children will no longer be available. Not only are we no longer able to provide low-cost children’s clothing, books, toys and furniture at our resale shops, we also are unable to give some of these items to children through our programs. Many families in dire need have counted on NAM’s assistance in providing free items, such as clothing and baby furniture, for their children. For years, NAM has been able to offer these essentials thanks to support from neighbors helping neighbors.
In recent years, up to 10% of NAM’s resale shop revenue has come from the sale of children’s merchandise. Last year, this translated into approximately $170,000. Revenue from the stores goes toward helping community members in need through our multiple social services programs.
Although many resale shops like NAM’s throughout the country are hoping for a reprieve on these strict regulations, it seems unlikely that any clear changes will be made in the near future.
We intend to keep you informed of any changes that arise in the law, but for now, we are considering creative and efficient ways to continue to serve our youngest neighbors in need.
We are now emphasizing the need for more furniture donations to our resale shops to replace the lost revenue from children’s merchandise. In terms of program necessities, our future focus may be on the donation of gift cards, rather than merchandise, to fulfill the needs of our clients.
These new regulations have presented a considerable challenge to NAM, but with the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community supporters, it is a challenge that we will face with the type of determination that has made NAM so effective as a community resource for more than 26 years.
If you are concerned about the impact of the new federal regulations, please contact your legislators or visit www.congress.org.
For further information or updates, please check the Consumer Safety Product Commission's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Thank you for your continued support,
Carole Little
On Feb 10, 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act took effect, prohibiting the selling or reselling of clothes and toys for children 12 and under if they contain more than a specified percentage of lead or a plastic additive called phthalates.
There has been much confusion surrounding the new law and its application to resale stores, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has clearly stated that although resellers are exempt from testing and certifying children’s merchandise, they will still be held liable for any merchandise they sell that contains the contaminants.
We do our best to ensure that NAM is in compliance with all federal and state regulations, and so we have chosen to discontinue the sale and distribution of merchandise for children 12 and under in our resale shops as well as our programs.
We know NAM and our supporters care about the safety of our children. In fact, many of our programs work to ensure the security, health and well-being of children on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, although this law was passed with good intentions, it seems like it has been interpreted quite broadly. Some services that NAM once provided for families and children will no longer be available. Not only are we no longer able to provide low-cost children’s clothing, books, toys and furniture at our resale shops, we also are unable to give some of these items to children through our programs. Many families in dire need have counted on NAM’s assistance in providing free items, such as clothing and baby furniture, for their children. For years, NAM has been able to offer these essentials thanks to support from neighbors helping neighbors.
In recent years, up to 10% of NAM’s resale shop revenue has come from the sale of children’s merchandise. Last year, this translated into approximately $170,000. Revenue from the stores goes toward helping community members in need through our multiple social services programs.
Although many resale shops like NAM’s throughout the country are hoping for a reprieve on these strict regulations, it seems unlikely that any clear changes will be made in the near future.
We intend to keep you informed of any changes that arise in the law, but for now, we are considering creative and efficient ways to continue to serve our youngest neighbors in need.
We are now emphasizing the need for more furniture donations to our resale shops to replace the lost revenue from children’s merchandise. In terms of program necessities, our future focus may be on the donation of gift cards, rather than merchandise, to fulfill the needs of our clients.
These new regulations have presented a considerable challenge to NAM, but with the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community supporters, it is a challenge that we will face with the type of determination that has made NAM so effective as a community resource for more than 26 years.
If you are concerned about the impact of the new federal regulations, please contact your legislators or visit www.congress.org.
For further information or updates, please check the Consumer Safety Product Commission's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Thank you for your continued support,
Carole Little
Thursday, January 8, 2009
New Law Will Impact NAM Resale Shops
On February 10, 2009, new federal regulations will go into effect that prohibit the reselling of children's clothing or toys for children 12 and under unless they are tested for lead and a plastic additive called phthalates. You may have seen TV news reports or newspaper articles about these regulations. Testing can cost anywhere from $35,000 - $50,000. The broad scope of the complicated law and it’s interpretation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") could effectively make it illegal for parents to resell their children’s clothing and gear at a garage sale, on eBay, Craig’s List, or through consignment stores or annual children’s consignment sales. If donated to a nonprofit like Goodwill or Salvation Army, those organizations can’t legally resell it as of February 10th. Hand-me-down clothing for kids ages 12 and under will be illegal to resell. It will be a banned hazardous product. The fines of $100,000, potential jail time and label as a felon for violations are stiff.
On Tuesday, the CPSC tentatively exempted the following: items with lead parts that a child cannot access; clothing, toys and other goods made of natural materials such as cotton, silk, wool and wood; and electronics that are impossible to make without lead. That still leaves clothes made from polyester or other non-cotton materials and toys made from plastic needing to be tested or thrown out. It also means that only clothes without embellishments – zippers, snaps, buttons, tags – qualify.
It appears unlikely that a solution will be found before the law goes into effect on February 10. At best, there may only be a temporary pause on the sale of many items.
NAM cares for the well being of our clients and plan to be in full compliance with any regulations that are set.
Please feel free to contact me or Dale Leatherman at dleatherman@namonline.org should you have any questions.
Carole Little
On Tuesday, the CPSC tentatively exempted the following: items with lead parts that a child cannot access; clothing, toys and other goods made of natural materials such as cotton, silk, wool and wood; and electronics that are impossible to make without lead. That still leaves clothes made from polyester or other non-cotton materials and toys made from plastic needing to be tested or thrown out. It also means that only clothes without embellishments – zippers, snaps, buttons, tags – qualify.
It appears unlikely that a solution will be found before the law goes into effect on February 10. At best, there may only be a temporary pause on the sale of many items.
NAM cares for the well being of our clients and plan to be in full compliance with any regulations that are set.
Please feel free to contact me or Dale Leatherman at dleatherman@namonline.org should you have any questions.
Carole Little
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What Do You and Bill Gates Have in Common?
What Do You and Bill Gates Have In Common?
Why do some people have what looks like “it ALL”? You all have 24 hours in a day and 168 hours each week. Are you spending your time wisely?
A Scenario:
If you sleep a healthy 8 hours a night you have 112 left.
If you take 30 minutes a day for breakfast and an hour each for lunch and dinner you now have 94.5 left
If you drive 30 minutes to and from work, you now have 89.5 left.
If you work 45 hours a week you have 44.5 left in your week to take care of yourself, your family, your health and your spirit.
The problem is not the amount of time. The problem is what we are doing with it. If you spend from 8pm to 10pm watching TV, you now have just 30 hours left. What could you have done with those precious hours? How much of your day and week is being spent on things that help you grow and make a difference: in your business, in your relationships, with your significant other or children, in knowledge, in fun, in health or in spirit?
Who are you spending your time with? Are they people that are supportive and energizing, or do you feel drained at the end of your time with them? Are they people you are striving to emulate and can bring out your best?
Allow yourself blocks of uninterrupted time to accomplish projects. Stop being at the mercy of E-mail, telephone and people that do not value your time. Think of the times you have been preparing for a vacation. Suddenly you get serious about your time. You become super productive. Do that every day and you will give Bill a run for the money!
Our time is the one commodity of which we each get a fixed amount. We do not even know exactly what that fixed amount is. It makes sense to use it with wisdom, joy, and for our own growth as well as for those around us. To Life!
CHALLENGE: Look at where you spend your time and evaluate if it is truly being well spent on what you consider priorities for your life. Make one change that will take back time from the mundane and help you grow where you believe it will truly count! Consider giving just two hours a month to deliver Meals on Wheels or volunteer 4 hours a week in the NAM Food Pantry.
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.”
–Charles Roberts Buxton
Will you make time to volunteer at NAM?
Why do some people have what looks like “it ALL”? You all have 24 hours in a day and 168 hours each week. Are you spending your time wisely?
A Scenario:
If you sleep a healthy 8 hours a night you have 112 left.
If you take 30 minutes a day for breakfast and an hour each for lunch and dinner you now have 94.5 left
If you drive 30 minutes to and from work, you now have 89.5 left.
If you work 45 hours a week you have 44.5 left in your week to take care of yourself, your family, your health and your spirit.
The problem is not the amount of time. The problem is what we are doing with it. If you spend from 8pm to 10pm watching TV, you now have just 30 hours left. What could you have done with those precious hours? How much of your day and week is being spent on things that help you grow and make a difference: in your business, in your relationships, with your significant other or children, in knowledge, in fun, in health or in spirit?
Who are you spending your time with? Are they people that are supportive and energizing, or do you feel drained at the end of your time with them? Are they people you are striving to emulate and can bring out your best?
Allow yourself blocks of uninterrupted time to accomplish projects. Stop being at the mercy of E-mail, telephone and people that do not value your time. Think of the times you have been preparing for a vacation. Suddenly you get serious about your time. You become super productive. Do that every day and you will give Bill a run for the money!
Our time is the one commodity of which we each get a fixed amount. We do not even know exactly what that fixed amount is. It makes sense to use it with wisdom, joy, and for our own growth as well as for those around us. To Life!
CHALLENGE: Look at where you spend your time and evaluate if it is truly being well spent on what you consider priorities for your life. Make one change that will take back time from the mundane and help you grow where you believe it will truly count! Consider giving just two hours a month to deliver Meals on Wheels or volunteer 4 hours a week in the NAM Food Pantry.
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.”
–Charles Roberts Buxton
Will you make time to volunteer at NAM?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Collaborative Partners Are Key at NAM
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) has a variety of programs and services that focus on assisting people with basic needs however once people's basic needs are met, the focus must shift to addressing what created the need.
In order to create a more integrated service model at NAM to move individuals from crisis to independence, NAM works with a number of collaborative partners. Three of those partners, Spring ISD, Lonestar College and the Willowbrook Rotary combine their efforts with NAM to assist individuals with English as a Second Language classes, GED, Computer classes and Citizenship classes. Learning English and getting a high school diploma is key to be able to provide a better life for a family. To read more about how lives are being changed, click on
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/10/30/spring_observer/news/43sonamadulted.txt
In order to create a more integrated service model at NAM to move individuals from crisis to independence, NAM works with a number of collaborative partners. Three of those partners, Spring ISD, Lonestar College and the Willowbrook Rotary combine their efforts with NAM to assist individuals with English as a Second Language classes, GED, Computer classes and Citizenship classes. Learning English and getting a high school diploma is key to be able to provide a better life for a family. To read more about how lives are being changed, click on
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/10/30/spring_observer/news/43sonamadulted.txt
Thursday, October 23, 2008
2008 Jeans & Jewels Raises over $460,000 for NAM!
All,
I want to send a Texas size thank you to Nita Bedford & Susan Diehl, this years J&J Co-chairs and to all involved for all the hard work and support of this years J&J! Thanks to those of you who purchased tables, brought new donors, donated auction items, sold raffle tickets and purchased auction items at the event itself. The money raised through table sales and raffle tickets comes in during June - September when donations are typically down and helps us feed the kids that are not getting free breakfast and lunch when school is out for the summer.
Through your generous support, NAM raised $460,000 (gross) as of Monday which is phenomenal since we budgeted $464K (gross). Expenses are budgeted at 100K and we should come in under so all in all, given these uncertain times, we are extremely please with the results. Once again, thank you to those who supported us this year with the event. You make the difference!
A heartfelt thanks,
Carole Little
I want to send a Texas size thank you to Nita Bedford & Susan Diehl, this years J&J Co-chairs and to all involved for all the hard work and support of this years J&J! Thanks to those of you who purchased tables, brought new donors, donated auction items, sold raffle tickets and purchased auction items at the event itself. The money raised through table sales and raffle tickets comes in during June - September when donations are typically down and helps us feed the kids that are not getting free breakfast and lunch when school is out for the summer.
Through your generous support, NAM raised $460,000 (gross) as of Monday which is phenomenal since we budgeted $464K (gross). Expenses are budgeted at 100K and we should come in under so all in all, given these uncertain times, we are extremely please with the results. Once again, thank you to those who supported us this year with the event. You make the difference!
A heartfelt thanks,
Carole Little
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Put Out The Call and They Will Come!
The truly inspiring piece about being a part of NAM is to see the community rally to help itself all year long but in this particular instance, what is even more inspirational is when people who are struggling themselves put their own needs aside to come to the aid of their neighbors.
At first they came one at a time and before we knew it, we had delivered more than 7,000 meals to the elderly and disabled population and almost 4,000 individuals rec'd disaster relief assistance in the form of food, vouchers, water, cleaning kits and financial assistance.
In the first few days, following Ike, it seemed we had lost our strength - the connection to our congregations and volunteers, but within a few days we were back in full swing as volunteers came from all over along with donations of food and cash to help those coming in the front door seeking assistance.
From all of us here at NAM to the community who supports and assists us in the work of neighbors helping neighbors - a heartfelt thank you!
At first they came one at a time and before we knew it, we had delivered more than 7,000 meals to the elderly and disabled population and almost 4,000 individuals rec'd disaster relief assistance in the form of food, vouchers, water, cleaning kits and financial assistance.
In the first few days, following Ike, it seemed we had lost our strength - the connection to our congregations and volunteers, but within a few days we were back in full swing as volunteers came from all over along with donations of food and cash to help those coming in the front door seeking assistance.
From all of us here at NAM to the community who supports and assists us in the work of neighbors helping neighbors - a heartfelt thank you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
