Magnet America was started in 2003, with only 1000 Support Our Troops yellow ribbon magnets. Now their product line includes a selection of ribbons including, but not limited to, Katrina Relief
Autism Awareness Down Syndrome Fight Diabetes
End SIDS Now
Cancer Awareness and Hepatitis C Association.
With Magnet America's success as both a seller and a supplier, a flood of similar businesses started producing support magnets. Unlike Magnet America, which donates more than 50 percent of the proceeds to charity, these copycat companies are keeping a majority of the profits for themselves.
One can't really assume that sales from most of these magnet companies are going to charities
said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For cause-related merchandise like this
it's rare for the manufacturers to give more than 10 percent.
It is hard for the average consumer to differentiate between the ribbons sold for pure profit and those benefiting their supported causes, Weiner said. He recommends contacting the organizations themselves.
People don't think very hard. They just do it for the sake of the object
unfortunately
Weiner said.
Brad White of Yellow Ribbon America, a Californian grassroots organization, donates more than 80 percent of proceeds toward state projects like Family Readiness, which helps prepare families for sending soldiers off to war.
Our concern is that when companies are flooding the market with something meaningless
it hurts us. It hurts those who are really trying to make a difference and make the yellow ribbon a symbol of that support
White said.
The American Cancer Society endorses only ribbons that carry an ACS logo on the packaging, said Sheri Richardson, central Ohio public relations director.
Kroger, 919 E. State St., and Wal-Mart, 929 E. State St., offer a selection of magnets but little about donation information. Neither company would comment on the percentage of proceeds donated to charity.
Athens resident Matt Plotner served in Afghanistan but was discharged because of medical reasons. He does not believe ribbon magnets are really supporting the troops.
Plotner said if people truly wanted to support the troops, they'd contact their local Veterans of Foreign Wars office and donate a package that can be shipped directly to them.
Sgt. Crowder, an Army recruiter in Athens and member of the military for 19 years, said he disagreed with Plotner.
By putting a magnet on your car
