SanMar Corporation, a supplier of apparel and accessories, recently made a difference in each of its eight communities around the country by fundraising for organizations that support local homeless populations. The home office and distribution centers joined forces to raise $121,000 for deserving charities.

“One of our SanMar family values is to make a difference and it was truly inspiring to see everyone come together and raise money for such wonderful organizations,” said Marty Lott, founder and CEO of SanMar. “I challenged our teams to come up with new, inventive ways to build excitement and a bit of competition with our fundraising efforts.”

Employees in the company’s home office in Issaquah spent two weeks participating in fundraising activities, competitions and events. There were raffles, an online auction, collections to dress managers in superhero costumes, a chili cook-off, Oktoberfest and other events.

The team raised $88,000 for Friends of Youth, an organization that has been helping young people in challenging circumstances get their lives back on track by providing shelter, programs and support at 21 sites in 18 cities in and around the eastside of Seattle.

Each of SanMar’s eight distribution centers hosted local events to support charities near and dear to their communities. Focusing primarily on organizations that help homeless youth and veterans, the warehouses raised a combined $33,000. Games, bake sales, barbeques and other events generated the much-needed funds that charities rely on to continue doing their good work.

The total amount donated includes funds raised by SanMar employees and a company match.