Saleswoman Donates to Local, Regional Causes

Just because Kim Washington sells gifts for a living doesn't mean she doesn't like to give them, too.

As a senior independent executive director for Thirty-One Gifts, a direct sales company, Washington leads a busy life. Yet she still finds time to give back to those in need on the local and regional level.

She lives in the Longleaf subdivision of Trinity with two children and her husband, David. She says her work with Thirty-One Gifts now includes working with a multi-state team of 3,000 direct sales people.

Washington also gives back to the community through Thirty-One, which specializes in purses, totes and like products for women. She donated $600 worth of Thirty-One pencil pouches to Longleaf Elementary School during the 2011 Great American Teach-In.

She also donated $1,000 in Thirty-One zipper pouches to For the Girls, a West Pasco faith-based nonprofit organization in 2011 for a conference (called SHINE).

In 2010, she gave $500 worth of Thirty-One products to the Salvation Army of Pasco County’s Domestic Violence program.

The list goes on, but it doesn't stop with just items from her company's catalog.

Washington also serves as a local ambassador for Thirty-One Gifts to the Children’s Dream Fund in St. Petersburg.

Washington joined Thirty-One in 2006 after 13 years in human resources. She had worked in direct sales companies in the past and learned about the company when she was planning a "girls' night in" at her home. A friend told her about Thirty-One Gifts and the rest is history.

"I looked at the catalog and enrollment kit and saw it was super cute and only $99," she wrote in an email. "I had nothing to lose."

She started her career as an independent consultant. When her husband was laid off, she dove into the business. In September 2010, she rose through the ranks to reach the level of senior executive director.

Washington said she's always given donations as auction or contest rewards, but when her success grew over the past two years, she found herself being able to make larger donations, such as those made to Longleaf Elementary and For the Girls. 

Washington said if business owners make the decision to give back, they should assess what they can afford with their budgets.   

"Don't feel you have to overextend yourself and don't feel like you have to donate to every cause or every request," she said. "Pick those that are dear to you."

You can learn more about Washington, working in direct sales and her advice on for small businesses at a free seminar she’s planning in New Port Richey.

The seminar take places from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on April 28 at Toast, 71221 State Road 54.

To RSVP, email Kim Washington at kwashin@tampabay.rr.com or call Diane Jones at 727-992-6928.

Editor's note: At New Port Richey Patch, we recognize that businesses are part of the community, too. That's why we're putting the spotlight on those that are doing good in the neighborhood. Keep your eyes open for the next Charitable Business Spotlight and don't forget to let us know who you think we should feature next!