By MCKENZIE CASSIDY
mcassidy@breezenewspapers.com
The market for selling unused gold jewelry is thriving and one Cape Coral gold store is donating a portion of its profits to six local charities.
Goldhelps.org is a local organization working along with one of two Gold2Cash stores to purchase old gold jewelry and host gold parties.
From March 6-20, Goldhelps.org is donating a portion of its profit to the Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida, Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, Lee County Domestic Animal Services, Senior Wish Program/Tony Rotino Senior Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities SWFL and Gulf Coast Humane Society.
Eileyn Sobeck-Bador, director of communications for Goldhelps.org, said any person could sell old or broken earrings, tangled jewelry, dental gold or flat wear at the store. Over the last two years the amount of people selling gold has increased, as well as the price of gold.
The amount of money customers make is based on the weight of the item, the price of gold and whether it’s 10k, 14k or 18k.
“It seems to be cyclic, gold is at one of the highest points it has ever been, so we have two different sets of folks coming in, those needing to sell it because of a down economy and those who are saying I haven’t worn that forever,” she said.
Even after this Saturday the organization will continue sending donations to local charities, she said.
On May 13 the organization is hosting another fund-raiser for the C.A.R.E.S. suicide prevention center in Cape Coral.
“We are looking for more charities that can use our help,” said Sobeck-Bador.
Goldhelps.org President Steve Shaffer founded the organization to help different groups of people and animals.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to help six wonderful charities at one time. The best part: We’re helping animals, children and seniors all at one time,” said Shaffer in a prepared statement. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”
The Gold2Cash stores in Lee County are at 8 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral and 12377 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
For more information, visit www.goldhelps.org.