The cyberworld is aflutter with folks talking about resources for charitably-inclined gift givers this holiday season.
The GiveList
The GiveList was created two days ago by nonprofit bloggers Alison Fine and Marnee Webb. “The GiveList is a resource of ways to support communities and causes this holiday season that don’t necessarily require writing a check. We all know it’s rough out there this year, but that also means that the needs of people and communities are also greater than every. There are a lot of ways that a creative do-gooder can continue to help heal the world.”
In fabulous cyber-speed, it’s taken off quickly and folks are adding their ideas and suggestions. Check it out for many great suggestions on how to be charitable when money is tight.
Youth Service America
Youth Service America just added a post on 10 Ways to Serve Your Community This Holiday Season. This list is aimed at young people, which is great because adults aren’t the only ones who give gifts this time of year. I especially love the suggestion to help your teachers clean up the classroom before leaving for winter break. Being married to a teacher and otherwise related to about 5 more, I think this effort to help teachers get home to their families would be especially appreciated. More than a holiday mug or another candle, anyway. Bonus: it’s free, of course, to give your time.
Have Fun • Do Good
Ten Lists of Holiday Gifts that Give Back. If you can’t find the perfect gift after browsing the lists that Britt Bravo has collected, you should just give the person cash. Seriously, there’s a lot of great resources here already and I’m sure people will keep adding other lists in the comments section.
A Word About Cause Marketing
This holiday season you are sure to run into plenty of products from companies who promise to give some proceeds of the sale to charity. Although I don’t discount cause marketing as an effective way to raise awareness about problems and the people working to address them (see earlier post and comments on Product(RED)), I’m more inclined to favor products that were produced by or reflect the experiences of the people in need of assistance: providing direct income and jobs to help those people help themselves like Rwandan Path to Peace Baskets or Zhena’s Gypsy Tea . I think it’s nice that LUSH donates some proceeds to charity but I think it’s better that LUSH uses ethical sourcing for their glorious beauty products and minimizes packaging using recycled materials wherever possible.
You don’t have to make the same decision to favor social enterprise over cause marketing, I just ask that you be conscious of the difference.
Want more?
For more ideas on charitable gifts this holiday season, check out my earlier posts on Charitable Gifts for Mom, Charitable Gifts for Dad and Charity Gift Certificates.
