Charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status can now create online wish lists of necessities so donors can buy exactly what their favorite organization needs. DollarDays International, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses, local distributors and non profit organizations, launched the online registry for non profits (www.dollardays.com/charities) to provide people another way to give to a cause.

Similar to a bridal or gift registry, the site allows charities to list their needs—from dog bowls and linens to office supplies, clothing and more—that can be purchased at a reduced cost through DollarDays. DollarDays has more than 30,000 items available at wholesale prices.

"People are generous, but also are worried how their cash donations are being spent," said Marc Joseph, chief executive officer of DollarDays. "By creating a registry the charities get exactly what they need and those who want to give can see exactly where their money is going."

According to DSD Management Fundraising Services in the years 2000 to 2004, the number of nonprofits increased 23 percent, but the amount of money donated by individuals decreased 2 percent.

More than 50 non profits nationwide are currently using the DollarDays wish list. One of the first to implement the wish list was he Arizona Animal Welfare League which is Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Each year the organization adopts out approximately 2400 animals and provides education programs for children and adults.

"Using the DollarDays wish list gives our supporters and donors the opportunity to buy products that directly help our animals and our shelter operations. As a non-profit organization that operates entirely on private donations, this is an easy way for our supporters to help us meet our everyday needs," said Claire Simeone, community relations manager, Arizona Animal Welfare League. "This is great idea that many other non-profit organizations could benefit from."

Another organization benefiting from the wish list is Cradles to Crayons, a Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to providing poor and homeless children everyday supplies for life.

"Dollar Days gets what we do and continually makes it easy for us to maximize our purchasing dollars," said Jim Stevens, president, Cradles to Crayons. "Our Dollar Days Charity Wish list partnership enables us to make direct appeals to donors who like to know exactly what their donation provides. It gives our donors choices and maximum value."

Joseph had the idea to create the registry in the days following Katrina. Government agencies, church groups and individuals used DollarDays to buy items such as diapers, clothes and other basic merchandise such as toothbrushes for the hurricane victims.

"The people I spoke with days after Katrina said they felt safer and more comfortable buying necessities then sending a check," said Joseph. "They knew that their items would get to the charity and to the people who needed it most."

According to the FBI, before Hurricane Katrina even hit land, domain names were being bought up by scam artists and there were more than 4,000 Katrina-related Web sites that popped up in the aftermath of the disaster.

Joseph adds, "The charities manage their registry so it’s legitimate and current. Charities always need items, whether it’s for the people or animals they are helping or administrative goods to keep their organizations working. Whether it’s money or merchandise, every donation helps."

According to the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a nonprofit watchdog and information service that grades national charities, philanthropies receive high grades for putting 75 percent or more of donated funds toward program goals while keeping their fundraising drives and overhead below 25 percent.

Since DollarDays is a wholesaler, the public can buy items off the charity’s registry at wholesale prices, so they are actually getting more for their dollar. DollarDays carries more than 30,000 items ranging from decorative items and clothing to personal care products and office supplies.

DollarDays International is a Web-based virtual warehouse, where small business owners and charities can find great deals on small business-sized orders for more than 30,000 consumer products, from toys and household décor to apparel, electronics and seasonal merchandise. Due to its innovative business model, DollarDays prices are not only often far below those which most small business are accustomed to, but the offerings include many name-brand products as well as rock-bottom pricing on overstocked and closeout items. DollarDays International helps its customers to select those items, both seasonal and everyday, which sell quickly to promote both a higher inventory turn and better margins. In 2006, DollarDays made its debut at number 158 on Inc. Magazine 500 list of fastest growing private companies and recently was named one-of-50 second-stage Arizona “Companies to Watch” by the Arizona Small Business Association. DollarDays’ prices are among the lowest available to small businesses. Membership is free and any small business is eligible to shop at www.dollardays.com.