This charitable organization is now inviting plumbing wholesalers to participate in its fight against poverty.
Historically, The Storehouse of World Vision has partnered with plumbing product manufacturers such as Kohler, Masco Corp., Moen, Grohe and Elkay to provide fixtures and equipment for building renovations in lower-income communities.
“In the last year we have forged relationships with distributors,” says Bob Weszely, national account manager, The Storehouse of World Vision. Weszely says he has attended meetings of some plumbing industry buying groups, such as WIT & Co. and Embassy, to speak to their members. “We received a great response from their distributors.”
Supply New England, Attleboro, MA, and SG Supply, Calumet City, IL, were among the first PHCP wholesalers to establish a relationship with The Storehouse. More recently, wholesalers such as Davis & Warshow, Castle Supply, Wm. F. Meyer, Metropolitan Pipe & Supply, Western Nevada Supply, N & S Supply Co., Martz Supply Co. and Penco Co. have made donations, he says.
“The two biggest advantages for PHCP wholesalers who participate in this program are the tax write-off and the freed-up warehouse space,” Weszely asserts. “Also, we can pick up their donated products from any location within the country.”
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization that tackles the causes of poverty worldwide. Partnering with corporations, The Storehouse supplies building materials to low-income families and other nonprofits working in poor neighborhoods to renovate their homes and community facilities. The businesses benefit from additional tax deductions, more warehouse space and positive public relations by donating products. Last year 1.8 million people received warm clothing, building supplies or school supplies through The Storehouse.
Gang Member To Rehab Director
Ramon Castro has been sober for 26 years, after 16 years of alcoholism and drug addictions. He became involved with gangs and drugs at a young age. In 1984, he moved into a rehabilitation home that is part of Victory Outreach, an international organization that operates a network of more than 500 churches in 24 countries. After a year, he decided to continue working there. Now he is a minister at a Victory Outreach church on Chicago’s South Side and a frequent customer at The Storehouse of World Vision.
He has used doors, paint, sinks and carpeting in the church that he received from The Storehouse for a small handling fee. At the rehabilitation home, the toilets and sinks in the men’s bathrooms and several old doors have been replaced with new products from The Storehouse.
Donated building materials, school supplies, personal products and clothing are made available by The Storehouse for a small handling fee to nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities.
