What works: Make a difference with your dollars

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — On tonight’s What Works, make a difference with your dollars. A new store in downtown Mobile has a unique mission. It’s called the Do Goods Mercantile Co. and is located on St. Michael. All the products in the store are meant to do something good.

Owners Annie and Christopher Persinger opened last week. They said Do Goods is like a convenience store with a variety of products. You’ll find jewelry, food, candles, purses, bags, socks, pet items and other gifts. All gifts are made by companies or individuals who give a portion of their income to charity.

“We can choose how we spend our money and where we shop. It’s tempting to go to the bigger companies that can deliver quickly, it’s rewarding to find companies that create an ethical work environment and pay a living wage. They impact the lives of their employees and then often fund important ministries through the way they do business,” said Annie Persinger.

Persinger pointed, for example, to some candles made by the nonprofit organization Flourish in Daphne. Flourish provides a mentoring program for teenage girls. The girls make and sell the candles.

Shoppers like Lori Sharp discovered an interesting story behind the dog collar she bought.

“I bought a dog collar made from retired military uniforms. My brother was a Marine for 20 years and this is a special item. You can scan the barcode on the back and see the identity of the person wearing the uniform,” Sharp said.

Persinger hopes you leave feeling satisfied about where your money is going.
“At the end of the day, we’re happy to know that when you shop, you’re making a difference,” said Annie Persinger.

Do Goods is located on St. Michael 202 in downtown Mobile.