OHIO, USA — As you stock up on social distancing cozy clothes, consider ordering items that give back to those who need it most.
A number of design shops across the state are working to create clothes with a conscience, giving a portion of their proceeds to people impacted by the coronavirus.
If you have the means and are browsing anyway, check out this list of pandemic-related designs and give back to the community while you shop for yourself.
JUPMODE
Toledo's Jūpmode has developed an inspiring shirt design in an effort to help those right in our own backyard who have been affected by COVID-19.
The shop teamed up with the United Way to create "United We Stand" shirts and proceeds will benefit local people in need through the United Way Emergency Response Fund.
The fund was established by the United Way of Greater Toledo to contribute things like student meals, basic health needs, financial stability and potential needs in the future, during a time when many people across the state are searching for resources.
"United We're Strong" shirts run at $24 a piece. You can order yours online by clicking here.
HOMAGE
Columbus-based clothing store, HOMAGE, has designed two shirts benefiting organizations crucial to the fight against coronavirus.
The first design was inspired by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, who has been a key point of reference in the state's response to the ongoing pandemic. Ohioans have gotten used to her seeing her face as she provides crucial information in the daily press conferences led by Gov. Mike DeWine.
A description on the HOMAGE site reads:
"Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear scrubs. Some of them wear uniforms. And some of them wear what you're wearing right now."
As a tribute to Acton, the shop partnered with Huckleberry House for the design, whose programs help at-risk youth.
Proceeds from the sale of their "Not all heroes wear capes" shirt will support Huckleberry House.
The shirt runs at $32. You can check it out on the HOMAGE website by clicking here.
The second design by HOMAGE benefits the American Red Cross. It quotes Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in saying, "We are Ohioans. We are Buckeyes. We are strong."
You can find the "We are Ohioans" design on either a t-shirt or a sweatshirt - or both if you're feeling lavish.
T-shirts cost $32 and sweatshirts cost $60. You can purchase both on the HOMAGE website here.
LATERAL GIG
Speaking of DeWine's daily updates, the press conferences have become a must-watch for Ohioans who want to stay in the know.
But, with the constant barrage of new information can come a lot of stress. And of course, business closures and the state's stay-at-home order have left many of us with nothing but time to sit and dwell.
Maybe it was to cope with the stress, or to make up for lost happy hours with friends, but for one reason or another, the hashtag #WineWithDeWine found itself trending on social media.
And Ohio clothing shop Lateral Gig wasted no time jumping on board the trending train. On Tuesday night, the store unveiled its new "2 o'clock wine with DeWine" t-shirt.
The folks over at Lateral Gig have decided to donate a portion of all online sales to charities supporting first responders as they work to combat COVID-19.
To check out all that Lateral Gig has to offer, head over to its website by clicking here.
FLAG CITY CLOTHING
Flag City Clothing in Findlay has launched a new "Quarantine Collection" online.
The three shirts are meant to help people mark the memories they will have of this worldwide event.
Shirt designers were worried people may be offended by the shirts at first, but the response was quiet the opposite.
"Their first response was, 'this completely brightened my day.' And it made me feel really good about that I'm able to have some joy in the time of this craziness and difficulty," said Trey Hoy, retail manager for Flag City Clothing.
Also, since last week, Flag City Clothing has been selling "Findlay has Heart" shirts as well.
Flag City Clothing 'Quarantine' Collection
On the purchase screen, customers can choose one of more than 70 Findlay area small business who will receive $10 of the purchase price.
All of the shirts are available to purchase right now. But because of the standing stay at home order no one at Flag City Clothing will be able to get to their facilities to print and ship out the shirts until April 7.
MEGAN LEE DESIGNS
This Westerville-based shop has two quarantine-themed designs available on both t-shirts and tea towels.
The first features a long stream of text, thanking Dr. Amy Acton for being a role model for young women everywhere. It reads:
"Thank you for keeping us calm in this scary time. I'm so proud to see a woman in charge. I'm happy that you see a bright future for us. I hope you stay healthy. I'm so happy to have you and have hope."
The quote is attributed to 9-year-old Ruby Owens. This design comes in two different t-shirt fabrics and a wide array of colors in addition to the tea towel option.
The second design is for all of you cool cats and kittens. It features a cat wearing a hat (no, not a Dr. Seuss thing) that reads, "DeWine Acton 2020."
This design also comes in different fabrics and colors as well as the tea towel.
T-shirts range from $28 - $30 and the tea towels cost $14.
The store's owner is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross.
You can check out these designs by clicking here.
Know of another Ohio company selling clothing for the cause? Let us know! Send an e-mail to jstrock@wtol.com and we can add it to our list.
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit https://www.wtol.com/coronavirus-covid-19 for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.