The Magic Of Giving

Recently Wonder Works, the locally owned toys and game shop with a location in St. Andrews Shopping Center, was named the Small “For Profit” Business of the Year by the coastal chapter of SCORE, a local chapter of a national organization providing free business advice and knowledge to budding businesses.
Owner Christine Osborne and her former partner reached out to volunteer SCORE mentor Bud Garforth in 1990, and he helped them lay the groundwork for the stores’ continued success. “We took his advice and contributing elements to the next level, and now have a business model that is so unique … and full of momentum,” said Osborne. Twenty-three years and four stores later, and the rewards keep coming.
Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., announced recently that Thursday, May 16 would be “Christine Osborne Day” in Charleston, due to all the contributions she has made over the years to the Charleston community, its children and its local charities.
Wonder Works buyer Amanda Burch said Friday that to celebrate the honor, the four locations will be collecting donations for the four charities the store works with the most: Happy Wheels at MUSC Children’s Hospital, Abby’s Friends, Hugs for Hope, and Keys for Hope. Donations will be accepted from this Thursday through Saturday at the four locations.
Osborne says that it’s important that as many people understand the “magic of giving.” She asked those who don’t chose to donate through her stores, instead donate on their own in a way of their liking, from walking an elderly person’s dog, or “bringing food to Crisis Ministries.