As I finish my last minute Christmas shopping, I am most excited about the gifts that I have purchased that have the power to give back. These are a few of the many ways we can use our generous spirits to change the lives of those we do not yet know:
- Operation Hero Miles-this is a unique and easy way to help and honor our troups by donating your unused frequent flyer miles to fly our heros and their family members to destinations of their choice.
- First Book- Ten books to help a young reader from a low-income family learn her ABCs and 123s. More than 80 percent of preschool and after-school programs for children from low-income families have no age-appropriate books for the kids they serve. Recipients of First Book books participate in community-based mentoring, tutoring, and family literacy programs.
- Kiva- allows lenders to loan money to an aspiring social entrepreneur in a developing country using PayPal. The recipient of the loan commits to paying the lender back in a certain period of time. You can give a Kiva gift certificate for as little as $25.
- Cellphones for Soldiers- help a soldier call home for Christmas. What a wonderful gift we can give here.
- XO Laptops- You can be a part of the award-winning one laptop per child program and change the life of children all around the world with a purchase of these specially designed mobile devices.
- Toms Shoes- you know I love shoes, but these shoes come with something special- a chance to place a new pair on a another foot. The teacm at Toms' is on a mission to leave no child shoes-ess with their successful buy one get one shoe drive.
- Goodshop- you shop and Yahoo gives to your favorite charity or school. With over 150 stores to select from-this is a definite win-win!
- Be Sweet- is a sweet way support high school training programs to empowering disadvantaged South African women by purchasing these amazing and creative handmade products.
- Build a Nest- Much like Kiva, Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses.
- World of Good- Ebay's World of Good is the world’s first online marketplace to convene thousands of People Positive and Eco Positive sellers and products all in one place, empowering you to shop in ways that align with your personal values. Respected, independent organizations verify the positive impact every product has on people and the planet. Our goal is to ensure that every choice you make here is a good one.
- Heifer International gives poor families a sustainable source of food and income by buying them livestock with your donation. For example, for $20 you can give a family a flock of chicks that will provide them with eggs to eat, share or sell. One good hen can lay up to 200 eggs in a year. You can even create a Heifer International gift registry for yourself to send to your friends and family.
- Hope Gift Book- all proceeds of your purchase go towards helping children battle cancer at the St. Judes Hospital.
- Ebay Giving- another great site from ebay! Help rescue animals, build homes, supply vaccines, provide clean water, educate children, plant trees, and so much more. It's as easy as looking for the blue and yellow ribbon when you shop, donating part of a sale to a cause you care about, making an online charitable contribution, or all three!
"Tis the season never felt so good knowing that any donation, small or big can make a world of difference in someone elses life. That's what it is all about-Happy Holiday's friends!
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