So here we are. It’s holiday season again…and you need to find that perfect gift.  Here in New York City, lines and lines of people wait to see the festive window displays on 5^th Avenue, unimaginable crowds snap photos in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, and someone is hosting a different holiday party each night.  Now if you’re like me, you wait until the last minute to buy gifts for your loved ones!   To avoid the crowds and the stores, I prefer to do my shopping from the comfort of my own home.  As I was looking through the million “gifts that give back” lists, we thought it would be cool to share some new products and organizations you might not know about…but that anyone on your holiday list will love.  Now, I’m not saying I don’t love TOMS Shoes or FEED bags, but here are some new and unique gift ideas for your loved ones this holiday. Enjoy!

For your Family Member, Mentor or Boss

Let’s Get Ready: College Access  

 

 

 

 

Let’s Get Ready is an amazing organization that wants to see a day when all students, no matter what socioeconomic background, can have the support they need to reach college. The Mission of Let’s Get Ready is to expand college access for motivated, low-income high school students by providing FREE SAT preparation and college admission counseling.  Let’s Get Ready relies on a cadre of student volunteers, or “coaches” to be mentors and role models in order to achieve its mission.  Here’s what your money can provide:

$50 provides all books and materials for a Let’s Get Ready student.

$100 supports a training session for our college Coaches.

$250 funds a program graduation ceremony (including diplomas and refreshments).

$500 sponsors one Let’s Get Ready student.

Visit www.letsgetready.org to donate in a loved one’s name and help a student go to college.

For your Best Friend, Sister, Significant Other

Nomi Network*: Job Creation for Survivors of Human and Sex Trafficking

 

 

 

 

Did you know there are more humans in slavery today than ever in history? According to the UN, there are over 27 million slaves and trafficking is a $32 billion dollar business.  Nomi Network  was created to address this issue and is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty that perpetuates human trafficking globally.  Specifically, Nomi Network leverages the fashion industry to implement product design, development and marketing strategies for slave-free products.

This process creates employment and career development opportunities for women who are survivors and/or at risk of being trafficked. Nomi also manufactures products with its signature label, “Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body ®” to raise awareness about this global humanitarian issue.  100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bags provide wages, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and meals for the women in South East Asia. Visit www.nominetwork.org to donate or purchase slave-free products at www.buyherbagnotherbody.com .

For your Client, Family Friend, or In Laws

ONEHOPE Wines: Cancer,  Veterans, Autism support

 

 

 

 

 

ONEHOPE is a great example of companies who build in philanthropy into their business model, much like TOMS, Warby Parker, and many other socially conscious companies we love.  ONEHOPE was started by eight friends who created a thriving business from wanting to support a friend who was fighting cancer.  They believe that giving back is good business.  What’s amazing is that 50% of their profits will be donated to deserving causes, including issues such as children’s health, veteran’s support, autism, cancer, among others.

To date ONEHOPE has raised over $400,000 for a wide range of charity organizations. This holiday, you can give your co-worker, family member or loved one with a great bottle of wine that gives back!  Wines starting from $18.99, with a minimum of $3 to a non-profit, can be purchased online at www.ONEHOPEWine.com.

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