Billions Of Dollars Reason For Card ‘Party’

ATLANTA – According to an article released by Business Week in January 2008, the Needham (Mass.)-based researcher TowerGroup (MA) estimates that billions of dollars in American gift cards go unutilized.

The TowerGroup projected that of the $97 billion in gift cards sold last year, roughly $8 billion remains unused.

“Gift cards are more like a luxury item. They’re something in your purse or your wallet that have value, but it’s not equivalent to dollars for some reason,” said Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Gift Card Giver. “Otherwise, people would be using them more consistently.”

Shinabarger established Gift Card Giver in 2006, in an effort to address the idle funds on America’s gift cards. The organization collects gift cards with outstanding balances, and then forwards those cards onto non-profit groups such as Habitat For Humanity, Big Brother Big Sister, and the American Red Cross.

“We meet people all the time that have no problem giving gift cards,” Shinabarger said. “Usually, they don’t even know what’s on the gift card.”

According to Shinabarger, individuals have donated gift cards from various businesses including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and the Pottery Barn.

“They neglect to realize the value of that currency,” he added.

A ‘neglect’ that inspired Shinabarger to organize a national event: the Gift Card Giver House Party. Scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2009, the house party is Shinabarger and friends’ response to a felt need.

“From a giving stand point, January and February are low giving (months) for non-profits,” he stated. “Most people are paying off their bills from December, and they don’t feel like giving.”

Factors that can affect the bottom-line for organizations like the Salvation Army that are supported by donors, and monthly contributions.

“We’re thinking that there’s a great opportunity to get gift cards given in that next season,” Shinabarger said.

He added that the Gift Card Giver House Party is a grass roots approach to individuals, neighbors, and entire communities making a tangible difference.

“We thought a house party is one of the most personal things you can do,” Shinabarger said. “When someone comes into your home, it’s a very personal thing. Also, it’s a very easy thing.”

He added that this approach is most effective when carried out within the context of creativity, and friendship.

“Have everyone that comes to the house ‘get carded’,” he said. “In this scenario, in order to get in you have to bring a gift card.”

Shinabarger suggested that partygoers even play card games in an effort to maintain the house party’s theme.

“The idea is to really bring people together around a unique form of giving, in your home…and have fun.”

To register your Gift Card Giver House Party, or for more information, contact: info@giftcardgiver.com, or call (678) 576-1598. Collected gift cards can be mailed to: Gift Card Giver, PO Box 17628, Atlanta, GA, 30316 or 750 Glenwood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316