A Coupon Katie Facebook fan left me this question:
Do you know of any charities that are selling items that can be used as Christmas gifts? I would like to buy some gifts that support a good cause at the same time! I did find some nice merchandise at 147millionorphans.com. Other than that one, I am drawing a blank! Thanks!!
What a great question! I love that in a season that can become overrun with commercialism Melissa stopped and asked this question.
I told her my Father-in-law worked for World Vision for years so we always bought them a gift from the World Vision gift catalog. Over the years we have purchased goats, chickens,vaccinations, soccer ball, clean water, lanterns-all sorts of things in my in-laws names. I also suggested Kris&Kate. They are a online woman’s fashion store that offers daily deals and they give 10% of every sale to World Vision’s Microenterprise Loans for Women or Compassion2one’s enterprise of freeing children from the sex-slave industry.
I then posted the question to all my Facebook fans and asked for more suggestions. There was such a great response! I feel like all the great ideas need to be shared. Here is the list I have received so far:
Feed the Orphans- a local charity run by Sydney O’Leary, a 15 year-old-girl. Money goes to feed orphans, and to drill wells for towns that have no clean water in Ghana. Thanks, Ann
Krochet Kids-This is my idea, in honor my cousin Chloe who interned for them last year.
FashionAble-has beautiful scarves made by African women. It is a great charity and a great product!, Thanks Mindy
Hello Somebody exists to provide sustainable projects and restorative care to improve the lives of children in need. Thanks, Julie
KARM Thrift Stores-Thanks, Amber
From River 106.1, you can purchase a Christmas CD with music from Local Artists for $10 with all of the proceeds going to The Joy of Music School. For more information on where you can pick one up, check out the article in Everything Knoxville magazine. Thanks, Katie
Show Hope, Thanks Brandee
Sseko and Punjammies and Onecup.org is wonderful fro delicious coffee. Thanks, Rachel
Heifer International gift catalog. You can purchase all different kinds of animals for families in need in other countries as a gift for someone. An animal can literally change the life of a family in another country. Samaritan’s Purse- is the same idea. Thanks, Stacey
The Volunteer Ministry Center Angel ornament is once again available this holiday season. This small foil Angel is a lovely symbol which indicates that you have given a gift to VMC in honor of the recipient. The Angel is appropriate for use as an ornament or a gift enclosure and will provide a lasting remembrance of your thoughtfulness.Angels are available for any donation amount of $5.00 or more and can be ordered by calling Selena Brewster at 524-3926 or by stopping by the VMC building at 511 North Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Thanks, Marie
This is by no means an exhaustive list but I hope it opens up a conversation and more of you share your ideas. If you know of other worthy organizations or local events leave a comment below. Thanks, and Merry Christmas.
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