Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, It’s time for Giving Tuesday. I love giving gifts. I probably spend far too much money each year because I go out of my way sending cards, and gifts to everyone in my life. But this year I starting buying gifts that also helped provide those less fortunate. When I found out about TOMS coming to Target I was the first in line to get pretty much EVERYTHING in the line because, 1. it’s all amazing and 2. each product helped provide something for someone in need. I bought gifts for others, I bought gifts for myself (my husband needs help each year) and it felt good to be giving. It’s the best feeling and one that I want to teach my kids.
We give to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta year round and during the holidays we go shopping for Toys for Tots. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in charity and teaching them that when you have everything you need, it’s good to give back to those that do not. Here are some other ways that you can give back to those in need. Whether it’s an artist in another country or a child with a life-threatening illness.
Heart of Haiti at Macy’s – The sales of Heart of Haiti products at Macy’s put real, sustainable income into the hands of the artisans who create them, changing their lives in remarkable ways. I love their products and have a few of the necklaces myself.
Global Goods Partner – Global Goods Partners offers a curated collection of fair trade products handmade by women artisans in more than 20 countries. We make it easy for you to improve women’s lives around the world and shop responsibly through our online store and fundraising programs. As a Fair Trade Federation member, we support sustainable community development by ensuring that the artisans making our products are paid fair living wages. By choosing to purchase from our community of artisans you’re helping to eradicate global poverty and promote social justice.
Globe In – When you buy something on GlobeIn, you are paying the artisan’s price + 25%. Now, divide that 25% markup into two pieces. Ten goes back into the country and community, and 15 goes to GlobeIn.
St. Jude Giftshop – Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts and products designed with one thing in mind – to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continue leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. Wear your support. Spread the invaluable word about St. Jude and give more than just hope to sick children in communities around the world. Because St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
Giving Directly to Those in Need
Heifer – Heifer empowers families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity – but our approach is more than just giving them a handout. Heifer links communities and helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. Our animals provide partners with both food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market.
When many families gain this new sustainable income, it brings new opportunities for building schools, creating agricultural cooperatives, forming community savings and funding small businesses.
Save the Children – For more than 80 years, Save the Children has been an independent force for change in the lives of children in need.
We make it possible for them to grow up healthy, safe and prepared for a better future. With the trust and generous support of people like you, and by working hand-in-hand with families and communities in rural America, and in more than 120 countries around the world, we have nurtured the seed of hope for millions of children.
When you give gifts to those you love, consider giving a truly meaningful gift — a donation in honor of that special person. Your valuable gift — school supplies, library books, essential vitamins and medicine — can help us transform the lives of needy children and ensure their futures are bright.
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