News from Search Inc: It's Officially #GivingSeason!

Double Your Impact Nov 1 - Dec 1 2020

Starting November 1st, you have a special opportunity to make your donation to Search Inc. go twice as far! From Nov 1 – Dec 1, any online gift of $200 or more to Search Inc. will be matched by the Coleman Foundation. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by midnight on Dec 1, #GivingTuesday. Your donation, in any amount, will help us reach our goal! 

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday takes place on December 1, 2020 this year. Search CEO Cory Gumm says, “This is the 7th year Search has participated in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. In that time, with the Coleman Foundation’s generous support, we have been able to raise essential private funding for our programs. This year, due to the severe financial impact of COVID-19 on our organization, we’re counting on the generosity of our individual donors more than ever.” 

“We have done everything we can do to keep the over 170 individuals we serve at our 29 CILA homes safe and engaged during the pandemic,” says Cory Gumm. “But, responding to this crisis has put additional financial pressure on our organization. We have had to spend over $96,000 on our COVID response so far. And we are absorbing these additional costs at a time when we have seen our revenue shrink. We are so thankful for The Coleman Foundation’s continued support in this unprecedented moment of challenge. With their match, our donors have a special opportunity to double their impact this giving season.”

Your donations will support technology accessibility for our residents to make sure they have laptops, tablets and the internet services they need to stay engaged in learning activities and connected to their family, friends, healthcare professionals and the community. We are providing remote therapy sessions, art classes, cooking courses and book club activities among many other virtual experiences. These are just a few of the critical supports that, taken together, help the individuals we serve to maintain a rewarding life while staying safe and healthy.

Interested in learning more?

Visit Search's event page to learn how to get involved or make a donation. To visit Search's website: https://www.search-inc.org/get-involved/upcoming-events/givingtuesday-2020.

Remember, all purchases made at Planet Access go to support the mission of Search and open doors to community life for people with disabilities in Chicagoland.

Please contact Grace Lipscomb at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or or 773-305-5000 x55 for any questions.

On Tuesday, October 6th, Chicago Fair Trade’s Conscious Closet Club stopped by Planet Access for an Instagram Live Virtual Tour.

As part of Chicago Fair Trade, the Chicago Conscious Closet Club is a community of Chicagoans with an interest in ethical clothing and fashion who learn from each other, share ideas and have fun. Chicago Fair Trade was formed in 2006 and now includes more than 70 business, institutional and individual members.

The Conscious Closet Club hosts, now virtual, events and tours to learn more about the ethical retail industry, how to be a better steward with your own closet, and connect with ethical trailblazers in the community to learn from their best practices.

Tuesday’s event highlighted our social mission, as well as our newly renovated space and gorgeous Fall products. Search CEO, Cory Gumm spoke about Search’s mission, our long standing partnership with Toad&Co, and our incredible Visibility Arts program. Maranda from Conscious Closet Club and the audience viewing online were treated to a virtual tour courtesy of store Leads Marta and Maria.

While showing everyone around, they highlighted the sustainable missions of the ethical brands offered at the store. Featured brands included Toad&Co Clothing, Causegear, Soap Distillery and Mata Traders, just to name a few. Planet Access strives to support brands with a conscience, which are committed to social good and ethically-made sourcing of fabrics, labor, and more.

Want to know the best part of shopping at Planet Access is? The proceeds from all purchases made at Planet Access benefit Search Inc.’s critical programs for people with disabilities living right here in the Chicago metro area.

It was a great time sharing more about our social enterprise store with the Instagram world! We hope to see you in the shop soon.

Watch the full segment on Chicago Fair Trade’s YouTube here.

About Planet Access

Planet Access is a unique, high-end retail store with a mission. All purchases made at the store support the programs of Search Inc., which empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential and lead rich, rewarding lives.

Planet Access has been a fixture of the Lincoln Square shopping district for 11 year. Prior to the pandemic, the store had just undergone a complete renovation and reopened in June 2020 as a Search Inc. + Toad&Co Partner Store. Through our partnership with Toad&Co, Planet Access offers premier brands that specialize in sustainable, socially responsible clothing, jewelry and home décor. Planet Access carries brands that tell a story – whether that’s a story of social good, a story of a local Chicago artisan, or a story of a brand that is dedicated to eco sustainability.  All of these stories have one thing in common, a goal to make the planet a better place to live, learn, work and play.

Visit Planet Access!

Store Hours

Monday-Friday: 11-6 PM

Saturday-Sunday: 10-5 PM

Address

4737 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Click here to shop Planet Access online!

Pick-up in-store and shipping options available.

Monday, August 17th was National Non-Profit Day and we were excited to celebrate Search, Inc. our parent non-profit.

Search empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential, accept a valued role in their community and lead rich, rewarding lives. Search's programs serve more than 500 individuals in the Chicagoland area.

A few other highlights about Search:
- Planet Access Company Warehouse:: PAC Warehouse is a third-party logistics offering customized warehousing, inventory management, fulfillment, and more. PAC employs up to 70 individuals with disabilities annually in paid, train-to-work opportunities allowing them to earn a wage while gaining valuable work experience.
- Visibility Arts: (Pre-COVID) Visibility Arts is a comprehensive visual arts program that offers a combination of group learning experiences and hands-on studio time. You can shop their artwork at Planet Access!
- Search for Adventure: (Pre-COVID) SFA gave the opportunity for individuals to explore the world as they should be allowed. SFA has provided 113 fully inclusive and all-expenses-paid vacations to hundreds of individuals, including the Bahamas and Grand Canyon!
(This is only a few of the incredible opportunities and programs at Search. Visit Search's website to learn more!)

So, how can you support? ?
- Well of course, shopping at Planet Access! 100% of your purchase goes to support the mission of Search, Inc. and opens doors for individuals with disabilities in Chicagoland.

Looking for other ways too?
- Amazon Smile: Amazon Smile donates 0.5% of eligible purchases to charitable organizations around the world. Visit smile.amazon.com to set Search, Inc. as your organization!
- Visit Search's Website: Learn more information about donations, events, and other opportunities on Search's website.

We ❤️ Search, Inc.

Throwback photo from Employee Appreciation Day 2019

Causegear is a Chicago-based L3C social enterprise established to compete on the world stage in design and quality while serving as a vehicle for consumers to help create sustainable social reform. Every purchase you make gives hope and opportunity for a life made free.⁠
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Handouts of food, clothing, and water may help today, but don’t necessarily change the circumstances for tomorrow. To win the war on poverty, we need to address the core issues. For poverty to end, those who make our fashion need to make a livable wage.⁠
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Every purchase supports a day of freedom from slavery and poverty through a self-sustaining job. Providing a dignified, and empowered pathway out of extreme poverty while reducing the risk of being trafficked or enslaved. Every item is made in a factory that meets or exceeds the World Fair Trade Organizations (WFTO) standards.⁠
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Stop by PlanetAccess to shop madefree.co products!⁠

Shop Online and Visit New Storefront in Lincoln Square

Planet Access, formally known as Planet Access Company Store, officially announces the launch date of their new e-commerce store on June 15th. In addition, their newly renovated store front, located at 4727 N Lincoln Ave in Lincoln Square, will be open June 17th per City of Chicago and CDC guidelines.

With this relaunch, Planet Access will officially become a partner store of Toad&Co, based in California. Cory Gumm, CEO of Search, Inc. shares, “We have deepened our partnership to achieve better outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Focusing on our mission, this partnership allows Search Inc. to fund our critical programs and provide superior experiences for the individuals we serve.”

Toad&Co is a sustainable outdoor lifestyle clothing company. But they are much more than a clothing company. Toad&Co makes one wardrobe for work and play that makes you feel as good as you look. 100% of their clothing line is made with sustainable materials (like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled fibers) and/or 3rd party certifications for responsible manufacturing. They are committed to the social mission to support, employ, and empower adults with developmental disabilities.

In addition, Planet Access carries brands that tell a story – whether that be the story of a social mission, the story of a local Chicago artisan, or the story of a brand that is dedicated to eco sustainability. All of our brand stories have one thing in common, which is a goal to make the planet a better place to be. Complementing our feature brand, Toad&Co, customers will find a curated collection of exciting products from brands including Causegear, Sorrel, W&P Design, Chicago Candle Company, and Nomadix.

Planet Access’ new online store  will allow customers to shop their favorite pieces with the option to pick-up curbside in Lincoln Square or have their purchase shipped direct to their doorstep with a flat-rate fee. Categories, such as clothing, home goods, and accessories, will allow customers to find products for every occasion, making our “new normal” that much better.

The original grand re-opening was set for early April, but due to COVID-19, the plans were pushed back a few months. For shopping in-store, customers will be required to wear masks and only 8 number of customers will be allowed in-store at a time. Planet Access will be focused on customer safety with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols that ensure a safe, enjoyable shopping experience.

Customers can shop for their next virtual happy hour with Infusion Kits from Aged & Infused, a Chicago-based company, or a perfect Father’s Day gift. For your fashion-forward dad, shop Toad & Co’s new summer collection or for that interior-design loving dad, shop Tramake’s selection of home goods. All of these, plus more, are available online and in-store.

For more information, visit their website and follow along on their Instagram @PlanetAccess for updates. Get excited to shop online with Planet Access on June 15^th and come see the beautifully renovated space with exciting new products in Lincoln Square on June 17^th.

Planet Access will be closed until further notice to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We hope that this decision will help ensure the health and safety of our staff and customers.  Thank you for understanding, and we’ll be back soon!

March Shopping Madness at the PAC Store pop-up is here! Now is your chance to earn rewards by shopping at participating Lincoln Square stores, including our lovely pop-up shop at 4757 North Lincoln Ave. Don't miss out on the madness!

Drop by our pop-up store at 4757 North Lincoln Ave. this weekend to shop our NEW ARRIVALS!

We just dropped a shipment from our warehouse of new men’s and women’s apparel, shoes and home goods! We’ve got amazing deals on brands like Sorel, Blackstone, Toad & Co., Elk, LA Made, True Grit and more! Everything is 60%-80% off!

The pop-up is open from Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Stop by our pop-up store at 4757 North Lincoln Ave! Our awesome new pop-up features big warehouse sales and closeouts including apparel, shoes, bags, holiday and home goods at an amazing 60%-80% off. New inventory is being added weekly! The pop-up will run until the end of March, so don't miss your chance to grab some great clothing and accessories at a low price!

In 2020, we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of Planet Access Co. Store with a major revamp and re-launch of the store!

While renovations are underway, please join us for a pop-up store at 4757 North Lincoln Ave. starting February 7, 2020 to shop big warehouse sales and closeouts! Apparel, shoes, bags, holiday and home goods will be sold at 60%-80% off. The pop-up will be open from Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Stop by to get some great deals, and spread the word to family and friends!

Beginning February first, the store will temporarily close while it undergoes a complete makeover. Search and our partner at Toad&Co will be creating a brand-new shopping experience featuring Toad&Co’s complete collection, and many other sustainable and socially responsible brands.

Join us for our Grand Re-opening spring 2020!

Come on down to the PAC Store and check out our midwinter sale, 30% off hats, gloves, scarves and select handbags!

Wishing you all a lovely holiday!

Don't be caught underdressed when the ball drops next week! The PAC Store is here to help with elegant clothes and statement accessories to match, such as the pictured dress by Elk, purse by Joy Susan, boots by Sorel and earrings by Sibilia Jewelry.

There's still plenty of time to check some items off your holiday wish list! The PAC Store's got you covered for the holidays. Pictured here: beanie by Rose + Pom, stud earrings by Leslie Francesca, gloves by Nirvanna Design Inc, scarf by Look by M, and lamb ornament by Creative Co-Op. 

This festive little fella is ready for the holidays. You can be too with our lovely yuletide accessories! Pictured here: Mouse ornament by Sora Lifestyle and Christmas mug, dish and tree by Creative Co-op.

Spruce the dining room up with these delightfully rustic pieces! Each item is assured to remind you of your favorite cabin getaway. Pictured here: woodfire scented candle by Illume, brass vase by Homart, bear jar by Create Co-op, and artisan honey by Bumbleberry Farms.

So you've been looking forward to date night all week, but who wants to go out in the middle of an unexpected snow storm? Not to worry, The PAC Store's got you covered with perfect pieces for date night in the comfort of your own home! Pictured here: Roost low-ball glasses, Square Goods Trade Co. candle, Bloomingville pitcher, and Lou Bustamante's The Complete Cocktail Manual: 285 Tips, Tricks & Recipes.

This giving season, you can help support the Planet Access Co. Store's mission of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich, full lives in the community. Our parent company, Search Inc. has a goal of raising $20,000 by midnight, December 3rd.

Double Your Impact! From November 1st – December 3rd, any online gift of $175 or greater to Search Inc will be generously matched by the Coleman Foundation. Your gift will support life without boundaries for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here to donate now!

These Autumn snow flurries got you feeling frosty? Come on down to the Planet Access Co. Store and find some new pieces to help you bundle up!

Sweater weather is finally here, and anyone from our fair Windy City knows that layering is both a fashion statement and a survival essential. Come visit the Planet Access Co. Store and check out some of our new Fall/Winter pieces! Pictured here: Toad & Co. jeans and knit sweater, Olive & Oak field jacket, Sorel boots, and Rose + Pom bobble hat.