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Local Voices

Sprout Pencils, E.H. Chocolatier and ReFleece Among Local Vendors Helping Massachusetts and New England Schools Raise Money

Over 30 Massachusetts vendors will be participating in the 2014 Close Buy Catalog Fall Fundraiser – showcasing their locally made products and helping PTOs, PTAs and students in Massachusetts and other New England states raise money for their schools.  Here’s a sampling of some of the outstanding Massachusetts companies Close Buy is partnering with this year.

 

Arlington based ReFleece creates accessories from reclaimed textiles and recycled bottles, creating useful and beautiful product lines including Ipad Sleeves, travel totes and E-reader cases. 

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Co-founder Jennifer Feller states "ReFleece is a "triple-bottom-line" company (people, profit, planet) so working with Close Buy makes sense for us: we are helping schools and the local economy as well as the environment.”

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Manufactured in Cambridge, Sprout Pencils are just what the name implies – a plantable pencil!  After using the pencil, stick the top into soil and grow veggies, herbs or flowers. 

 

Catie Peters, Outreach & Communications Director for the company says “Sprout Pencil was designed in the classroom as a way to inspire creative minds to rethink ordinary objects in everyday life.  We are very happy to be featured in the Close Buy catalog this year because of our shared belief in locally made products that can serve not only as fundraising but also educational tools.”

 

For the sweet tooth shopper, E.H. Chocolatier will be creating their award winning chocolates for Close Buy Catalog.  This small, independently owned artisan chocolate and confection company is based in Somerville. 

 

“There are so many remarkable artisan companies right here in New England that Close Buy Catalog brings attention to with this fundraising concept.  It's a smart and fun way to support our local schools here in Massachusetts and throughout New England while also supporting the local economy.   A winner for all involved." says Elaine Hsieh, co-founder of EH Chocolatier.  She adds enthusiastically “We’re excited to be participating this year and look forward to sharing our chocolates!”

 

Feller from ReFleece concludes, “As a former teacher, I know how frustrating it can be to sell brownies or wrapping paper to make money for supplies; I'm thrilled to be a part of a fundraising effort I can believe in!”  

 

Close Buy is still accepting schools for 2014.  Visit closebuycatalog.com to sign up.

 

Learn more about ReFleece and their triple-bottom-line at refleece.com.

Read the story about Sprout Pencils at http://sproutpencil.com

Check out the delicious offerings of EH Chocolatier at www.ehchocolatier.com

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