QC Shops with a Cause: The Perfect Buying Experience
Shopping and supporting a great cause combine two of my favorite things: presents and giving. These four favorite Quad Cities shops raise money for important work both here at home and around the world. Be sure to include these fantastic establishments in your shopping plans.
Argrow’s House - supports women healing from abuse
In an effort to empower women mind, body, and spirit as well as financially, Argrow's House started a bath and body business that provides a variety of items such as soaps, bath balm, body butter, bath balm salts, essential oils, body lotion, hand sanitizers, and face masks. Women can create beautiful products that provide a living wage in a safe space that celebrates who they are.
Argrow’s House is for women in the community healing from violence and abuse providing services such as support groups, yoga, spiritual direction, therapy and more.
You can buy items online or in a variety of retail locations around the Quad Cities.
“I was introduced to Argrow’s House a few years ago at a craft fair. I purchased some soap and I LOVED it! I highly recommend their products. They smell divine and with every purchase I know I’m making a difference for women right here in the Quad Cities!” - Meghan C.
QC Discovery Shop - raises money for the American Cancer Society
2397 Cumberland Square Dr., Bettendorf, IA
This shop offers a wide variety of resale items: men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, collectables, furniture, holiday novelties, and more. The inventory changes almost daily making it a delightful surprise every time you visit. People from all walks of life find treasures here.
The shop was opened in 1986 by local grassroots volunteers that heard about the Discovery Shops in other places in the country raising money to fight cancer. They did their research and even visited California stores to set the best foundation for the store in Bettendorf. This became the first American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Iowa.
Be sure to follow The Discovery Shop on Facebook for specials like buy one piece of clothing, get one free and sneak peaks at items at the store. Donations are accepted whenever the store is open. Donations come in from both individuals and area stores and are cleaned and spruced up before being offered to customers.
“If I could only go to one store/shop…It would be the Discovery Shop without hesitation. I live in Clinton but I love the shop!!!!!!” - Judith H.
Rescued - raises money to help local pets in need
2105 16th St., Moline, IL
You’ll love wandering the friendly atmosphere as you hunt through clothing, books, housewares, and more. Described as a non-profit high-end resale shop, Rescued offers a variety of items at reasonable prices. You’ll find something new every time you stop by.
Rescued was started by a pair of animal shelter volunteers and is now also supported by local organizations and animal lovers. The mission is to support animal welfare by donating profits to local animal shelters, rescue groups, and other pets in need. At the shop, pets are welcome for a visit, a belly rub or ear scratch, and likely a treat. Rescued gladly accepts new and gently used donations on days they are open.
Be sure to follow Rescued on Facebook to see the delightful items in the store and support local animal themed fundraisers and causes.
“Rescued is a resale shop with vintage, high end, and new items. It is very rare that I visit and don't find something amazing. They don't over price anything. Things are priced to sell - fast and they do. That's something Erin, owner of Rescued prides herself in. She wants items to sell so they can help as many animals as possible. My purchases include vintage dishes, plants, new shoes, clothes for my daughters, tools, just to name a few.” - Sarah M.
SIS International - supports artisans in developing nations
Formerly in a storefront in downtown Davenport, SIS international is now an online only shop, but still has some amazing items! When you purchase a gift from SIS International, you’re supporting someone who is “striving to better their lives with dignity.” Plus, often the item will be unique with rarely an identical match.
The variety of items is impressive especially since so many are handmade. The pieces are from over 48 developing nations & countless artisans, farmers & cooperatives. Many of these groups are women artisans which translates to feeding and educating their children. Products change frequently and sometimes only are offered in limited quantities. Supporting Fair Trade will get you the perfect gift and make you feel good.
The shop’s owner will ship or meet you in town to safely deliver items.
Be sure to follow SIS International on Facebook to see various items and follow updates.
“For holidays and birthdays, I used to take my daughter to the shop downtown and let her choose gifts for our family. It was the best of both worlds; she got the freedom to choose beautiful and unique gifts, and I got to know that gift was making a difference in another family’s life somewhere on the globe. I am so glad that SIS is still part of the QC community as an online storefront and that my family can still continue our shopping tradition together - just a little differently this year. Several of my favorite Christmas decorations are from SIS: brass bells for our front door’s wreath, a wool pompom garland, and a hand-knit chunky stocking. All of these things are beautiful and made to last for years and years.” - Katie P.
Written by Meghan Cooley
Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.