From humble beginnings 50 years ago…

The United Nations Association Gift Shop was inspired by the longtime efforts of two local Tucsonans, Gene Wilson and Mary Kelley. In 1975, they began fundraising for UNICEF by selling the iconic UNICEF greeting cards from the trunk of their car. As the number of United Nations-branded goods expanded, they soon realized the need for a storefront.

Gene and Mary joined forces with the Southern Arizona Chapter of the United Nations Association, formed in 1972 by political science professors at the University of Arizona. With their help, the UNA Gift Shop opened in 1975 in a shopping center at Country Club and Grant Road. Many longtime Tucsonans recall that it was initially called the UNICEF Store.

In 2003, the store moved to its present location in the Monterey Village Shopping Center at 6242 E. Speedway Blvd, between Bookmans and Beyond Bread. The store was renamed UNA Gift Shop & Center, reflecting that more than just UNICEF goods were sold. Today, the store sells diverse folk arts and crafts, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry and clothing from over 90 countries. Wherever possible, items sold are certified Fair Trade.

The 501c3 United Nations Association of Southern Arizona (UNA-SA) is one of over 200 UNA chapters nationwide. The Southern Arizona Chapter runs the largest of three gift shops nationwide. All net profits from the UNA Gift Shop go to UNICEF and children in need.

Since its inception, UNA-SA has donated over $2 million to UNICEF, placing it in UNICEF’s Leadership Circle. The chapter also supports the University of Arizona and Flowing Wells High School Model United Nations programs.

The UNA Gift Shop regularly sponsors trunk shows of artisans and craftspersons to demonstrate their artistic process and help educate the public about various cultures. These free events and the Second Tuesday Talks are part of the chapter’s educational commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding between cultures.

Please join us in the effort. Your membership in the UNA-SA includes membership in the UNA-SA, which gives you a 10 percent discount on all non-sale items at the UNA Gift Shop. To join, go here: https://unausa.org/join/membership.

What We’ve Achieved Since 1975

  • Over $2 million has been donated to UN programs, primarily to UNICEF.

  • Hosted HUNDREDS of cultural events.

  • Presented HUNDREDS of lectures & presentations.

  • Been an educational resource for THOUSANDS of teachers and students.