It’s great when a gift can carry more meaning. So here are a few ways to help spread your Christmas cheer by giving gifts that keep on giving. Gifts that Save the Day The American Red Cross has launched a “Gifts that Save the Day” holiday campaign. This is a great way to give something to someone who has everything. It's instead like making a donation in their name. Here's how it works---provide things like emergency supplies for a family in need ($100) or a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior ($50). If you give the gift of the month, which is a warm blanket this month, you can get a free hand crank radio. Breast Cancer Gifts If breast cancer is a cause you support be sure to check out the shop that Komen for the Cure has on its web site. If you use this link 25 percent of your purchase can go to the affiliate of your choice. You’ll find everything from Christmas cards to clothing to home and office gifts. Art with a Purpose Cheryl e-mailed me about this market for online artisans called 1000 Markets.
Then check out these websites which allow you to shop everyday retailers and put a portion of what you buy to the cause of your choice.
Good Shop
Good Shop by GoodSearch lets you shop 1,400 different retailers and up to 30 percent of your purchase goes toward the cause of your choice. There are 85,000 different charities to choose from.
You’ll also find deals and coupons here. For example, on this site Apple offers free shipping and free engraving on an iPod Nano.
The retailers include all kinds of places—Dell, Amazon to Barnes & Noble. You can even book your travel through here using Orbitz or companies like Enterprise directly.
One Cause Is another way to shop and help your child’s school. You have to get a lot of participation from parents or your community to really make this count, but it's something. Just don’t expect your school to get rich from this site. Anderson High School has reportedly only earned $24.46 since October 2006. St. Austin’s Catholic School earned about $2,400 in the last three years.
Like Good Shop, you will also find lots of retailers and coupons.
If you know of a way to give back while you give either send me an e-mail or add your ideas below.
