Support American businesses by spending just $64

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- All week long ABC World News with Diane Sawyer has been challenging US consumers to help create jobs and support businesses by buying Christmas gifts that are made in America. Action News found, there's no shortage of local companies that could really benefit from this nationwide movement.

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for "California Gourmet Company" in Northwest Fresno.

Gina Paul and her husband started the gift basket company 26 years ago as "Bouquet of Fruits". Gina's fingers fly, picking the perfect fruit, nuts, and chocolates. Then she wraps them up to be delivered to homes and businesses across the Valley and the country, in time for Christmas.

"Absolutely, they're all American products," said Paul. "Our dried fruits and nuts, grown here in the Valley, dried here."

Karen Mansfield's family has owned Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture in Fresno for 51 years. Most of the products are made in America. From the entertainment center from New York, to the valet carved in Reedley to the dining table made in Utah. Karen says the movement seems to be catching on among her customers.

"We have a number of people that specifically want to buy American made," said Mansfield. "And so we have plenty of options to show them."

ABC News reports, if each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs.

Mansfield said, "We are supporting ourselves, we are helping one another, our neighbors, we're helping our friends, our brothers."

The staff at Score, a non-profit counseling service for businesses, understands that. They were so inspired by the Made in America series, they bought shirts to wear and sell as a fundraiser.

Peter Fong said, "We have an opportunity to go out and boast made in America and be proud to wear these t-shirts."

In turn, Score can continue its mission of helping entrepreneurs starting or growing their businesses. Proving "Made in America" could be a movement that keeps on giving.

Christine Park asked, "So it's a ripple effect."

"Absolutely," replied Fong. "So I think it's a wonderful idea. You'll see more and more people come forward today, Made in America, how important it is."

VISIT THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Made in America Christmas: Are You In?
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/mailform?id=14998335

California Gourmet Company
http://www.californiagourmetcompany.com

Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture
http://www.beautiwoodunfinishedfurniture.com

Central Valley SCORE
http://centralvalleyscore.org

For Made in America T-Shirts
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/made-america-shirts/story?id=14213938

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made in america, consumer, christine park

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