Grow with Me shop built on new model for giving

May 23, 5:54 AMSoutheast MI Home & Living ExaminerJackie DiGiovanni

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Logo from Grow with Me

Grow with Me is a resale shop for children's clothing and toys. It is located at 25 Jackson Industrial Drive, Suite 500 in Ann Arbor. That is the first side street off Jackson Road just west of the Meijer store. Here is their story:

Elyssa Mount and her husband learned their son had autism when he was 17 months old. Then they discovered their insurance would not cover the cost of many of the therapies or special services he needed. She had a good job and the family could afford the extra care for Gabe. Elyssa immediately noticed that people who were not as well off faced real hardship taking care of their autistic family members. She needed to act.

In March, 2008, Elyssa Mount and her friend Marni Hochman opened their resale store for children's clothing, Grow with Me. Both of them were long-time fans of the resale concept. But they added a new component to their shop by linking sales to supporting local autism foundations that provided financial help to autism families.

Here is their model for sales and giving:

Bin sales

• Clothing bought for resale that does not sell is placed in the bins.
• Donated clothing is placed in bins.
• 50% of the proceeds from bin sales are given to local autism foundations.

Handmade items

• Local craftspeople donate their handmade items to the shop.
• 100% of the proceeds are given to local autism foundations.

Store profits

• 1% of all store profits are donated to local autism foundations.

You will find quality, gently used clothing. Colorful decorations, friendly service, well-stocked racks, easy parking, and reasonable prices will bring you back to the store as a regular customer. Kids are welcome to enjoy the play area where they can watch a movie, read a book, or investigate the train table. Ask about joining one of their clubs (Grow With Me Club, Birthday Club, Grandparents Club, and Parents-to-be Club) so you can take advantage of discounts.

Click here for their Facebook page. Mention you are a fan when you shop at the store.

The store is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 am until 6 pm, Thursday and Friday from 9 am until 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm. You can phone them at 734-622-0224. You can email them at recycledgoods@growwithme123.com. Click here for a map.

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