In New Orleans, there’s no shortage of businesses that give back – you just have to do a little bit of searching to find them. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of some our favorite businesses with initiatives that put resources directly back into our community, making it a richer place for both locals and tourists alike. The next time you’re in the mood for shopping – or you just want to play your part in contributing – give these businesses a visit. You’ll end up with some pretty cool products while supporting New Orleans too.
Reunion Shoe Co.
2031 Desire St.
At Reunion Shoe Co., each purchase gives back to the New Orleans homeless community through employment opportunities, access to social workers, and professional counseling. Reunion Shoe Co. is committed to empowering a population of New Orleans that is often overlooked. Hats, t-shirts, and low-top sneakers with funky designs are some of the merchandise you’ll find at their Bywater location. Bonus: all of their products are locally-made. When you’re ready to spend your dollars in a business that invests in the city, visit Reunion Shoe Co.
Café Reconcile
1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Café Reconcile transforms the lives of at-risk youth through the power of cooking. Youth who participate in this program receive workforce development training, exposure to entrepreneurship, and the chance to work with businesses and build community. And, they’re serving up delicious New Orleans food in the cafe. Open weekdays for lunch, stop by for daily specials like red beans & rice and stuffed bell peppers. Save room for dessert though – the bananas foster bread pudding and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream can’t be skipped.
Goods That Matter
5706 Magazine St.
With products that are eco-friendly, handmade in America, and that support a number of good causes, you can’t go wrong with supporting Goods That Matter. Goods That Matter has made an impact in New Orleans and beyond, donating to causes like the Animal Rescue of New Orleans, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and United for Puerto Rico. 10 percent of all proceeds go directly to a variety of social and environmental causes. Efforts have spanned both locally and globally, with donations of over $30,000 causes to date. At their Magazine Street location, you’ll find products ranging from soaps to notepads to a category of “misfit” items.
Glitter Box N.O.
1109 Royal St.
Glitter Box is a space in the French Quarter created by women, for women. At this shop, you’ll find clothing, jewelry, paper goods, books, and more. They donate five percent of sales to rotating nonprofits that help womxn and children. They also partner with Women with a Vision’s employment program for formerly incarcerated women, which receives five percent of sales from specific items. To support this local cause that celebrates female empowerment, shop at Glitter Box.
Heartsleeve
5706 Magazine St.
Heartsleeve has a unique approach when it comes to giving back. It supports a variety of local causes through sales of a designated t-shirt. For example, you can support local after-school initiative DiscoveryFEST with the adorable Po-Boy Hero t-shirt. Right now, six local causes are supported through six unique t-shirts. All Heartsleeve tees are designed and screen printed right in their Mid-City studio.
Team Gleason
When beloved Saints player Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2011, his family created Team Gleason, a non-profit dedicated to starting a global conversation and raising awareness about the disease. Over the years, the initiative has helped provide individuals with ALS or other neuromuscular diseases or injuries with cutting-edge technology, equipment, and services in addition to raising money for research. Support the cause by purchasing t-shirts, hats, socks, and more – just in time for Saints football season. All merchandise proceeds directly benefit Team Gleason. Shop Team Gleason merchandise online here.
