"It's our responsibility to take care of each other," says Garner Wireman, owner of one4one.
It's a philosophy that he takes pretty seriously. He sells t-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes. Nothing too unusual right? Well there's a little twist.
"For each one that's purchased then we donate a similar item to someone in need both locally within St. Joseph and Elkhart County and then throughout the world."
He named his business one4one. For each shirt bought he donates a shirt and if you buy a tote, he donates a monetary gift to a local food bank that's equal to 30 pounds of food. It's an idea inspired by Toms Shoes. There is a global component, but for the most part Garner's donations stay local.
"It's a unique way of people purchasing an item and then knowing exactly how they're helping."
His business is only two years old, but he says people are responding well.
"Total we've given about 7,200 pounds of food and around 200-250 as far as t-shirts."
The United Way of Elkhart County has been working with Garner to find the best places for these donations.
"When we see an example like Garner who is looking for business, not just for profit, but to be a blessing to others, that's great," says Bill Wireth, CEO of Elkhart County United Way.
He says he has never seen a business plan like this and every donation counts. "It doesn't matter if you give one shirt or 1,000 shirts. To the person that receives that shirt, it matters."
That's something Ross Swihart at Faith Mission in Elkhart agrees with. His clients have received many of Garner's shirts.
"A lot of us say we have needs but we really don't have needs and a lot of people we serve, they REALLY need. So it's cool to have these types of items to be able to say 'hey here have a shirt," says Swihart.
For the holiday season, Garner is offering a special deal. If you buy one t-shirt he will donate two. If you're interested in a one4one product click here.
