Norix produces furniture that is purchased throughout the world – from as far away as Dubai, to our backyard here in the western suburbs of Chicago. And although we are still considered a small, B2B company, we find ourselves in the fortunate position to give back to the community that has helped make us what we are today.

In October, we launched the Norix Gives charitable donation program to help those in our markets – shelters, recovery facilities, military outreach organizations, among other groups – who may have the need for the resources we provide, but lack the financial resources to fulfill those needs.

The program is employee-driven, with staff members choosing nonprofits or charities and making site visits to facilities to assess needs, then bringing proposals before the Norix Gives committee for consideration. Causes, organizations and facilities that are considered for the program include:

  • Local causes in Kane or DuPage counties, but employee proposals aren’t restricted by geography.
  • Causes that help Norix people – staff, vendors, reps – with any hardships they may be facing.
  • Causes that serve our markets – healthcare, behavioral healthcare, shelters, military, correctional transition efforts and others.

Our first Norix Gives donation went to the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps in St. Charles, IL. According to the organization’s website, Tri-Cities “has been ministering in the Tri-city area since 1951,” and is engaged in “restoring people spiritually, emotionally and physically.”

Specifically, the site offers rent, utility and food assistance; Community Center activities including basketball, dodge ball and other events; health and education programs, including senior exercise, blood/heart screenings, health fairs and computer classes.

Additionally, the facility offers a food pantry and bread days on Tuesday and Friday where those in need can receive free bread, produce and dairy provided by local retailers, farmers and bakeries.

Most programs are free and open to the public and are run by volunteers.

“I feel that we are here to serve our community as a whole,” Chris Anderson Wargo, Business and Facility Administrator at Tri-Cities, said. “We do focus on our neighbors in need, but we also offer services that benefit the entire community. We are literally here for everyone.”

Visit the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps website for more information on its services, programs and bell-ringing opportunities.