Companies Who Give Back: Our Top 10 Partnering Companies who love to give back

At Cattail Cottage, there is nothing we love more than to talk with the our partnering companies about "their story" while shopping at Market. From these conversations, we not only get to know the companies we partner with, but also learn about their inspirations and goals. 

Too often in the drive to reach the American dream, we forget about paying it forward. While trying to look at the bottom line and make everything average out, the slice of the pie sometimes gets smaller and smaller for non-profit organizations. But, sometimes, you find the sparkling gems, the ones that always take time to give to others to ensure their towns, our communities, even our world are in a better place. So, I give to you our Top 10 Favorite Companies Who Give Back. 

1. Inis Fragrances of Ireland

Since 2001, Inis Fragrances of Ireland has been the core funder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)--dedicated to the protection, conservation, and better understanding of whales and dolphins in Irish waters and around the world. IWDG's work helps ensure that the seas of the world will continue to be a source of delight and joy for generations to come. 

2. Scripture Stones by Twelve Stone Art

Using marble quarried from mountains east of the ancient city of Ehesus, each Scripture Stone is handcrafted and distressed by artisans in the United States. The company's mission is to share God's Word one stone at a time, to bring comfort and encouragement to otheres. 10% of gross sales go towards well-drilling to provide clean water in developing countries. Any unused stones are donated to Habitat for Humanity. 

3. Quilling Cards

Co-owner Huong Nguyen Wolf is a native of Vietnam and spent much of her early professional career in Marketing throughout Southeast Asia for many big-name beauty companies. She fell in love with quilling and started to embrace her entrepreneurial talents and start her Quilling Card company. In 2015, the company was recognized as Fair Trade Certified by the Fair Trade Federation. Their dedication to treating, supporting, and growing their team of female artisans in Vietnam has allowed them to provide a stable and safe work environment with housing, healthcare, and food benefits. 

4. Support the Red/Blue Line Garden Flags 

An exclusive line from our favorite Garden Flag supplier, the Supoort the Red/Blue Line Flags mean just a little bit more than showing your pride in first responers. Each purchse of these flags helps support The Backstoppers Inc., an organization that provides financial assistance to the families of first responders who have been severely injured or have fallen in the line of duty.

5. Save the Girls Touchscreen Purses

The brand "Save the Girls" reminds us all to keep our phones out of our bras and pockets to help protect us from radiation and mishaps. These easy, comfortale, and affordable toucscreen purses get your phones out of your bras and pockets and into stylish purses. 10% of the gross sales of each Save the Girls purse go towards Breast Cancer Research. 

6. Indiri Collection

Indiri Collection brings you the finest quality artisan-crafted .925 Sterling Silver from the islands of Bali. Each item is Fair Trade and hand crafted with pride in villages that specialize in ancient jewelry-making techniques passed down through generations. Your purchase helps preserve the traditions of this unique island by providing fair and sustainable income to Bali's independent artisans. 

7. Pet Lovers Socks

Pet Lovers Socks are made from the finest quality cotton. Using 200 needle count machines to make them, vs. most companies that only go up to 144 needle count, these socks will be the most comfortable pair of cat socks you've ever worn! Plus, the company takes 10% of their gross sales to support area animal shelters and pet rescues. 

8. Shroomyz Mushrooms

A company that literally started out of the family garage by two teenage brothers has grown into a nationally-recognized pottery company. The two brothers were able to support themselves through college from their newly-found mushroom making company. Because of this, the company has continued the tradition of hiring college-age students. They did move out of the garage, but took the original kiln with them and it is still in use today. 

9. Prayer Flags Bracelets

Prayer Flags Bracelets are hand-crochet bead bracelets are crafted by housewives in Nepal. The bracelets are called Prayer Flags after the many brightly colored Prayer Flags that hang throughout Nepal--the rich, vibrant colors can be seen in each bead that is carefully--and quickly--knotted into each bracelet. Another Fair Trade company, each purchase supports the women of Nepal so their craft and skill can be continued for generations to come. 

10. Zen Puzzles

Zen Puzzles are wood-crafted puzzles made in the United States. Their mission is to make unique, inspiring, heirloom quality, artisanal wooden jigsaw puzzles using eco-friendly materials.  From raw materials to retail packaging and beyond, they strive to be pioneers in eco-friendly craftsmanship and artistic creativity while pricing their puzzles at competitive prices. Proceeds from the sale of Zen Art Puzzles go towards supporting organizations who work to restore the ecological sustainability of the earth and to improve the lives of all creatures living in it.