Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Rachel
James and I want to be conscientious about teaching our children the importance of giving during the holiday season. We are truly blessed with everything we need and so much more. But there are many in this world who go without the basic necessities of life and literally struggle to survive each day.
Our desire is that Christmas would be an opportunity to share the joy, hope, and love of Christ with others. A very practical and easy way to do that is by purchasing gifts that give back! If you're looking for presents for your loved ones this holiday season and and want to help spread joy to others while you're at it, here's a list of some great gift ideas that help support various charities:
Cards from Africa
A friend told me about this organization, and I had to add it to the list! Their products are made by hand in Rwanda and help families affected by AIDS and genocide to rebuild their lives. They offer well-paid employment to those who need it the most, and their business model provides the skills to transition easily to another career or start their own business someday. The cards are beautiful, and they have them for every occasion! Perfect for Christmas!
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Where to purchase: http://cardsfromafrica.com/shop.php
A friend told me about this organization, and I had to add it to the list! Their products are made by hand in Rwanda and help families affected by AIDS and genocide to rebuild their lives. They offer well-paid employment to those who need it the most, and their business model provides the skills to transition easily to another career or start their own business someday. The cards are beautiful, and they have them for every occasion! Perfect for Christmas!
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Where to purchase: http://cardsfromafrica.com/shop.php
Freeset Bags
I received one of these beautiful bags from my best friend for my birthday and absolutely love the product and the concept behind the organization! Their motto is "In Business for Freedom". Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from sex trade and allow them an opportunity to restart their lives and regain their dignity.
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Where to purchase: http://shopforfreedom.justiceventures.org/freeset.aspx
Giving Tree is a branch of Bread & Water, a non-profit organization founded in 1999 by a friend of ours. It is a fast growing non-profit providing relief in a increasing number of countries around the world and is run entirely by volunteers. Some of their projects include an orphanage in Liberia, a school in India, and a village doctor training program in a remote part of China. Giving Tree offers beautiful gifts (many handmade) and 100% of the proceeds go towards one of their designated projects. We have all the gifts pictured on the left (CJ loves the bear!).
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Where to purchase: http://www.breadandwater.org/gift_shop/index.htm
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Where to purchase: http://www.breadandwater.org/gift_shop/index.htm
GoodShop is a service of GoodSearch - when you shop from the site, a percentage of your purchase will go to the partnering nonprofit of your choice. If you want to purchase gifts from major retail stores and contribute to a charity while you're at it, this is the place to do it! I discovered this service through one of their partners, Little Lights, an urban ministry organization I've been involved in and am passionate about. I'm so thankful to be able to contribute in this way!
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Where to purchase: http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx
IJM is an organization my husband and I have come to know and love. We attended IJM's Annual Prayer Gathering in D.C. this past April (highly recommend attending if you have the chance) and were simply blown away by the justice work God is doing in and through this ministry. Partner with IJM by sending an e-card or by purchasing the "Freedom" compilation cd featuring artists like Third Day, Jars of Clay, tobyMac, and MercyMe (only $5!).
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Where to purchase e-card: https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1481&JServSessionIdr004=9o5u7kqu61.app306a
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Where to purchase e-card: https://secure3.convio.net/
Where to purchase Freedom cd: http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=133165&name=Various+Artists-Freedom
Life is Good
I've always loved the adorable t-shirts made by this company. And now I appreciate them even more after discovering their line of fundraising products. 100% of the profits from these products go toward The Life is Good Kids Foundation which helps kids overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty. What a terrific idea!
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Where to purchase: http://www.lifeisgood.com/foundation/fundraising-products.aspx
James and I absolutely love the vision and mission of this organization and agree that our one day's wage can make a HUGE impact for those who go without each day. We can make a difference and help battle poverty around the world. So why not celebrate the holidays by partnering with ODW and raising funds to help those in need? Get together with your family and friends and start a holiday campaign or throw a holiday benefit party. What a great way to spread the joy!
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Where to purchase: http://www.onedayswages.org/community/blog/2010/11/odws-holiday-campaign
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Where to purchase: http://www.onedayswages.org/community/blog/2010/11/odws-holiday-campaign
If you know me, you know I love a good glass (or two) of wine. So I was excited to find out about OneHope Wine! This organization was started by eight friends who turned what started as a personal mission to help out a friend with her fight against cancer into a thriving business founded on a very basic, but compelling principle: giving back is good business. 50% of the profits go to one of their partnering charities (like the Fight Against Autism, Fight Against Breast Cancer, and Support the Troops). This is the perfect gift for fellow wine enthusiasts.
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Where to purchase: http://www.onehopewine.com/
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Where to purchase: http://www.onehopewine.com/
World Vision
World Vision is a Christian organization dedicated to serving children, families, and their communities worldwide to help alleviate poverty and injustice. Through its gift catalog, the organization provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase a gift for a family which will help nourish and feed them. Purchase a goat or sheep on behalf of someone you love.
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Where to purchase: http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&§ion=10389
If you think this list would be helpful for someone you know, please feel free to pass it along. And if you know of any other great gift ideas that help spread the joy in giving, please do share! I'd love to hear them.
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Where to purchase: http://donate.worldvision.org/
If you think this list would be helpful for someone you know, please feel free to pass it along. And if you know of any other great gift ideas that help spread the joy in giving, please do share! I'd love to hear them.
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