There are several ways to give gifts with meaning this holiday season and throughout the year. The following are some suggestions to consider to honor family and friends while helping nonprofit organizations including WHY.
· More than just a music legend, John Lennon was also an outspoken activist, and WHY is honored to offer a selection of limited edition 2009 "Imagine" Hungerthon/Hard Rock Cafe pins, T-shirts and sweatshirts that bear his likeness and message, not to mention the Serve4 CD featuring tracks by Lennon and 12 more artists including O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Eric Hutchinson and Brett Dennen.
· Tonic, the leading media and ecommerce site focused on producing and aggregating content about the good things that happen around the world each day, has launched a limited edition Mother Earth jewelry collection designed by Carolyn Rafaelian, owner and designer of Alex and Ani. Alex and Ani is well known for its Signature Expandable Wire Bangles, necklaces and key chains. Each piece is made in the U.S.A. and handcrafted from recycled metals. Every design in this collection features a distinctive Mother Earth charm in either Russian Silver or Russian Gold and is available exclusively on the Tonic website. Alex and Ani collections are made up of powerful, meaningful, and spiritual pieces, which uplift and inspire all who wear them. The signature expandable wire bangles are available individually for $38 each or in sets of 5 for $158. The Mother Earth necklace available in both women’s and men’s retail for $48 and the key chain is $38. Ten percent of each sale in the collection will go to WHY. Another 10 percent will go to The Tonic Foundation, the charitable arm of Tonic that supports causes that Tonic members and customers identify.
· The Lower East Side Girls Club provides a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. By delivering strong arts, literacy, science, health and leadership programs we provide girls with the vision to plan – and the tools to build – their future. La Tiendita (The Little Store) features Fair Trade and Girl-Made items from around the world. The Sweet Things Bake Shop (and business skills training program) offers delicious and beautifully packaged baked goods perfect for holidays, special days or any day.
· The Women’s Bean Project serves as a stepping stone toward personal and economic self-sufficiency for women who come from backgrounds of chronic unemployment, poverty or displacement, helping them to develop solid work skills and to strengthen self-confidence and responsibility. Give a unique Indonesian gift basket filled with the Bean Project's signature soups, chili, coffee and other delicious gourmet products. The special wooden bowls and trays have been handcrafted by village cooperatives in Indonesia striving for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
· SuperMarketCoop offers handcrafted gifts from family farmers and rural communities. In an effort to return fair wages to family farmers and artisans, the SuperMarketCoop gives producers a chance to sell directly to consumers. From balsam wreaths to Gardener's Gift Boxes, you'll find unique items produced by skilled hands.
· Native Seeds/SEARCH works to conserve the traditional crops, seeds and farming methods that have sustained native people throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. They promote the use of these crops by gathering, safeguarding and distributing their seeds while sharing benefits with traditional communities. They also spread knowledge on how to use the crops. Through research, training and community education, NS/S helps preserve biodiversity and celebrates cultural diversity. Celebrate the fruits of the earth by giving seeds as gifts this holiday season.
· Greyston Bakery teaches and employs adults facing barriers to employment in Yonkers, New York. Greyston cakes - including the Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, Lemon Mousse Cake, and their most intense chocolate dessert Lotus in Mud - are available for purchase online along with an assortment of tarts and cookies and are shipped directly to you via next day air delivery, anywhere in the contiguous United States. Check out their web site to view some of their ravishing cakes, tarts and cookies, and spectacular special orders.
· The Enterprising Kitchen works within the context of a small business that produces high quality hand-made soaps. The program provides women facing significant barriers to employment with the opportunity to receive hands-on, intensive assistance that includes: paid employment, work and life skills training and a variety of other support services. The revenues generated by product sales help to sustain and develop the program. The income from the sale of their products covers the cost of materials and a portion of their fixed costs. TEK operates a micro-enterprise that produces high quality products in an environment that enables women to maximize their individual potential and self-esteem.
· Native Harvest markets maple syrup, hominy corn, wild rice and raspberry preserves in addition to other items. This project helps those who live on the White Earth Indian Reservation to preserve and restore their traditional economy and way of life. They conduct language and cultural programming, and actively work on environmental issues to keep their trees standing, their lakes free of poisons and their ceremonies alive.
· Deborah's Place is a private not-for-profit corporation serving women in Chicago who are homeless or formerly homeless. Dedicated volunteers provide food, shelter and supportive services and staff so that women can become empowered to take back and maintain control over their lives. Woman Craft, a program of Deborah's Place, create beautiful paper products.
