Partnering with customers and vendors to help those in need

Giving back has been a core value here at Ernest since day one. That’s because our founders, Ernest and Charles Wilson, understood what it’s like to go without—and made a point of helping others whenever they could. As Mr. Wilson says, “When you can help someone, that’s the best thing in the world.”

Ernie and Charles’s benevolence has given rise to a number of corporate programs over the years that we’re incredibly proud of, including our annual “Givember” drive, which takes place each September. During this time, every E-Teamer and division teams up to donate goods to local charities that do the important work of helping others all year round. Last year, we donated more than 11,000 t-shirts to non-profit organizations across the country. This year, we’re getting a head start on giving back thanks to the generosity of one of our customers, and a whole chain of folks who pitched in to spread the impact far and wide.

Brash, bold, and big-hearted

Our Phoenix division has been working with Dixxon Flannel Co. for three years, supplying boxes and tape for their thriving business. The company specializes in rough and rugged clothing that’s “built for those who live loud and push limits.” Despite their tough image, the Dixxon brand has a caring core. They design and produce limited runs of their products and have previously made multiple generous donations of high-quality inventory that just happens to be out of season. When the company was recently looking to offload a large quantity of excess product, they knew who to call.

• “Our motto is work hard and stay humble. We love partnering with Ernest because they share our values. When we ended up with 20,000 pairs of flannel boxer briefs and other items we couldn’t sell, we knew Ernest would be able to get them to people who really need them—where they’d really make a difference.” — Dixxon Flannel Co.

They reached out to Brenda Fiorucci, our Director of Operations in Phoenix. “When Dixxon told us they wanted to donate 18 pallets of clothing, we could hardly believe it,” Brenda says. She knew a donation of this size could make a difference in a lot of lives. Having read about our San Diego division’s extensive partnerships with charitable organizations in the area, she reached out to the team there, including General Manager Ryan Ash, Director of Operations Marina Vilaysane, and Merchandiser Jessica Arispe.

Ryan and team knew that the Brother Benno’s charitable foundation would get the donated boxer briefs to local folks who are most in need. “Part of the Ernest Way is giving back to the community,” says Ryan, “and Brother Benno’s does just that, assisting underserved folks including the homeless, low-income workers, and seniors across the Oceanside area.”

Brother Benno’s was excited about the donation and ready to distribute it.

• “Our mission relies on the generosity of others, and we’re so grateful to Dixxon for making a substantial donation of something that our neighbors really need. With Ernest’s help, we were able to make them feel cared for and loved.” — Brother Benno’s

With such a sizable donation, the San Diego team was able to provide for two additional organizations serving the broader area, too. The San Diego Rescue Mission and St. Vincent de Paul both help to feed, clothe, and find housing for the homeless, and happily accepted Dixxon’s donated goods.

To extend the impact even further, Ryan contacted Jose Ibarra, Junior Accountant in our Los Angeles office as well as our current Ernest Brand Council (EBC) chair. Jose in turn reached out to the LA Mission, an organization that does great work with the homeless population in downtown Los Angeles, and who we regularly partner with for Givember. LA Mission was thrilled to accept the donation of something that’s really needed.

Moving goods and making an impact

Once we’d figured out where the 18 pallets were headed, the next question was how to get them there. Fortunately, moving goods around is Brenda’s specialty. She reached out to RE Logistics, a freight forwarder our Phoenix division has partnered with for years, to see if they would be willing to move the pallets for a reduced rate. The company replied immediately, offering to move the goods within a few days. And they did one better than a reduced rate, agreeing to transport the goods at no cost except the fuel.

• “When Brenda told us the donation would be supplying homeless folks, we said absolutely—count us in. We love helping people, especially children and families.” — RE Logistics

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners at Dixxon Flannel, RE Logistics, Brother Benno’s, and all of the charitable organizations we work with each year. And a big pat on the back to all the E-Teamers who pitched in to make this happen. When we all work together, we don’t just move packaging forward—we change lives, too.