Once again, Thanksgiving is rolling around and I feel that we can easily forget the meaning behind this (and other) holidays while trenching through the madness of shopping, baking, and attending parties and family gatherings. We may not all have the spare time to volunteer at soup kitchens or food drives, but there are so many easy ways to give back as well. To give us a fashionable reminder of what this season is all about, I’m sharing some great stores that also incorporate charity into their business. Now, when you’re shopping for all those gifts (and yourself), you can do some good for humanity as well.
Image via Macys
Macy’s may seem like just another large department store, but they were actually ranked as being the 2nd most charitable company in America. To give you an idea of how charitable, in 2010 they gave over 41 million dollars to help fund community grants. The giant department store has something for everyone on your list and can easily be a one-stop shop for your holiday shopping. And you can pick up something fabulous like this b.tempt’d by Wacoal set for yourself as well!
Image via Exit 9
Exit 9 Gift Emporium is an independent store in the East Village of Manhattan and Boerum Hill of Brooklyn. They frequently host events that give to charities in the NYC community like the Lower Eastside Girls Glub, or their annual 12 Days of Charity event where buyers can pick which local school they want to support with their purchase. Aside from supporting a business that has good values, Exit 9 also has some pretty awesome stuff. From NY-themed wall art, to quirky kitchen gadgets, to these great throw pillows, this is certainly the perfect spot to find a unique gift and help an entire community. And for those of us not near the NYC area, they have an online store as well!
Image via www. shoplatitude.com
Image via www.shoplatitude.com
Project Paz is an organization that aims to promote peace, health, and education for children in Juarez, Mexico. Designers have decided to partner with this organization and donate 100% of the profits towards this cause. From edgy Alejandro Ingelmo shoes, to more hipster Sara Beltran jewelry, there is something for every budget and personality.
Image via www.fashionproject.com
Finally, through Project Fashion, you can engage in unique opportunities like shopping from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week looks to support the amFAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research). Everything you buy from Fashion Project donates the majority of the profits to whichever charity or organization was linked to that purchase. Talk about letting yourself feel good about a guilty pleasure! They can sell out quickly, but you’re getting a one of a kind piece that continue to benefit a greater cause.
We know shopping is just part of the holiday season now, but try to keep yourself grounded in what this season can really mean. There are tons of great companies like the ones I listed above that are aiming to give back year round.