What are those wooden nickels at check-out? Every time you make a purchase at Basics Co-op, you are entitled to a wooden nickel to donate to the charity of your choice. Every few months Basics counts up the wooden nickels, matches them with real nickels, and donates the proceeds to that group. If you want to give more, these groups accept cash donations as well – just drop the donation in their box. With your participation, in 2009 Basics donated over $2,000 to worthy organizations based on the wooden nickel program! Eat Well. Do Good!

Featured Organizations

YWCA

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2 million members in 300 local associations in the United States. More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress.

G.I.F.T.S. Homeless Shelter

This is a non profit group that gives men a place to stay overnight during the cold season when it is unsafe for them to sleep outdoors. Rotating between participating Janesville churches, the entirely volunteer run shelter offers dinner and breakfast to participants along with a safe, warm bed.

FELLOW MORTALS WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

This is a charitable corporation staffed with volunteer professionals who provide rehabilitative care seven days a week, all year long. Fellow Mortals does not receive any funding from the Department of Natural Resources, any other government agency, or your tax dollars. Donations are the life-blood of the facility. We care for native mammals from Wisconsin and migratory birds from Wisconsin and Illinois. Fellow Mortals, Inc. has served state-line communities since 1985, and will admit more than 2,000 birds and mammals in 2006 alone. One of the largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Wisconsin, it is also one of the few to provide care for patients from admit to release, being equipped to provide emergency as well as rehabilitative and pre-release care on-site.