Buy a box, support small businesses

Jun 10, 2020

The South Coast Almanac is partnering with local First Citizens Federal Credit Union and 12 small businesses from Westport to Wareham — including Atlantic Bistro and Brew Fish —  to offer unique themed baskets full of goods and gift cards that will support each business.

The idea for the project came from former Marion business owner Anthi Frangiadis. First Citizen’s Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the boxes, and covering shipping costs for the first 25 boxes. 

The owner of The Drawing Room heard of a similar offering that a local business in Tennessee started and “wondered how I could bring the concept to the South Coast,” she said.

Two of the themed boxes will have various items, depending on what’s in stock for the small businesses. 

They include a Comfort Box, with items like candles that will help buyers be comfortable at home and goods like masks that will help them to be comfortable in public and a Porch Living Box, with items such as cocktail mixes or drink infusions to enjoy on the porch. 

The Foodie Box is slightly different, as it will have all gift cards to local businesses and one treat that can be eaten on arrival, or when picked up curbside at The Drawing Room. 

Marlissa Briggett, publisher for the Almanac, said that she is “so excited about it.” She said figuring out which products to put in which boxes was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. 

She is happy with the results, however, as she says that box recipients “know they will get good stuff, but don’t know what it will be.” 

Overall, Briggett finds it “pretty cool to have a bunch of businesses working together like this. It’s definitely unique.” 

Boxes will only be available until June 25. For more information, visit https://southcoastalmanac.com/lift-up/