Setback for Eco-Friendly Brand Prompts Partnership With Nonprofit

NEWARK — When a warehouse fire earlier this year impacted United By Blue (UBB), an environmentally-conscious apparel and product brand, its staff was determined to turn misfortune into an opportunity to help others. That opportunity came in the form of a partnership with Newark-based nonprofit United Community Corporation (UCC), the city’s Community Action Agency.

Wanting to take salvageable items from the fire and put them into the hands of individuals who need them most, UBB teamed up with UCC to assist in distributing the materials.

"What seemed at first to be a very discouraging accident quickly turned into a way for UBB to give back to the local community thanks to the mindfulness of the UBB team,” said United By Blue President Lane George.

George said that when the company initiated a search for a reputable, local organization to help donate salvageable items from the warehouse fire, they were advised to contact UCC.
“UCC made the process seamless by picking up the merchandise and will distribute to organizations and community members in need,” George said.

The partnership falls in line with each organization's efforts to utilize its respective resources and services to foster better communities.

UBB’s clothing and accessories are made with organic and recycled materials designed to last through years of outdoor and everyday use, making them ideal for eco-friendly individuals who want to make a positive impact with their purchases. For every product purchased, the company removes one pound of trash from waterways through company-organized cleanups with over 5.2MM lbs. of trash removed thus far.

Since its founding in 1964, UCC has strived to fill essential needs in the communities it serves. The agency’s outreach services include providing access to free food, shelter and wraparound services such as rental and utilities assistance. UCC’s staff, volunteers and stakeholders carry out these efforts daily, guided by a mission to move people from dependency to self-sufficiency.

By supporting UBB’s desire to reach out to those less fortunate through donating salvageable items from the fire, UCC’s staff was proud to use its resources to assist the company.
In response, Craig Mainor, executive director of UCC, expressed his gratitude for the initiative and discussed why the nonprofit was eager to team up.

"UCC is deeply committed to supporting the Newark community, especially in times of need,” Mainor said. “Partnering with United By Blue not only allows us to provide essential items to those in need but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing social challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Newark residents."