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Three easy ways to help others while you shop for gifts this season
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Elephant Change Bank crafted in Bangladesh,
available at Ten Thousand Villages
As we go through the holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the spirit of "buy, buy, buy." But many of us are looking for ways that give back to the community and help others while we go about our holiday shopping. Here are three easy ways you can do just that, all while getting your gift shopping done!
TisBest Charity Gift Cards
Started in 2007 in Seattle, TisBest allows you to by a gift card that can be redeemed for a charitable donation to an organization chosen by the recipient. Basically, you buy a gift card (and even get to choose the picture on it and even upload your own), give it to someone as a gift, then they go to the TisBest website and choose which charity to redeem it for. There are over 250 charities to choose from, like the African Wildlife Foundation, La Lache League, the USO, and MusicCares. There is a small fee for the transaction and the credit card processing, but most the bulk of the money goes straight to the charity. And you even get a tax-deduction! To try it, visit www.tisbest.org
Shop at Amazon.com and help Eastside Baby Corner
This one is so easy, it is almost too easy. If you do any gift shopping at Amazon.com, first stop at Eastside Baby Corner, a local charity that distributes children's items to families in need. On their website is a button you can click to get straight to Amazon.com and do your regular shopping. When you do that, a percentage of every sale is given back to Eastside Baby Corner. It's easy, but remember, you have to start at their website for them to get the donation! To try it, visit www.babycorner.org
Ten Thousand Villages
Local shop Ten Thousand Villages sells beautiful items that all meet the definition of Fair Trade. This means that every item they sell has been purchased from artisans and craftspeople around the world who received a fair pay for their work, often more than other jobs offer in their area. Not only are the items unique, when you purchase one, it means someone around the world has received a living wage. You get a wonderfully crafted gift, they get the dignity and hope that come from fair pay. To find a local shop or to buy online, visit www.tenthousandvillages.com
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