On November 1^st, 2007, HandPicked, the Columbia-based silver jewelry and gifts company, was pleased to announce the launch of a new social awareness initiative called HeartPicked, in cooperation with The Nurturing Center.  The unique partnership will educate HandPicked customers about the mission of The Nurturing Center, as well as raise needed funds to support our programs serving children and families throughout the Midlands. 

Since its founding in 1986, HandPicked has provided women and men in the Columbia area and beyond with a fun, affordable, and unique shopping experience.  HeartPicked, an initiative that will spread to all of HandPicked’s locations in 2008, aims to deepen the experience of HandPicked customers by connecting them to a cause that will improve the lives of disadvantaged children and parents. 

“HeartPicked is a very important milestone for HandPicked, in that it is the culmination of our mission to express the spirit of our customers and staff,” said Melanie Mauldin, founder and CEO of HandPicked. “I am thrilled to partner with The Nurturing Center as they work to improve the lives of abused children and their families in the greater Columbia area.” 

To celebrate the partnership, HandPicked created two unique turquoise bracelets with two pendants depicting a boy and a girl. The bracelets sell for $32, with $10 from each sale benefiting the Nurturing Center. Furthermore, at selected times during the year, HandPicked will donate a percentage of total sales from their four Columbia locations to the Nurturing Center.

“We could not be more honored to have been selected as the inaugural partner for HeartPicked,” said Kristina Pickens, Executive Director of the Nurturing Center. “Melanie and her staff deserve a great deal of credit for trying to raise awareness not only about the Nurturing Center but also about the issues that our children and families face. We hope this is only the beginning of a great relationship."

To learn more about HandPicked and the HeartPicked Campaign, please visit www.behandpicked.com.