Holiday Gifts that Give Back
Mark Harden’s Denver Business Journal story yesterday (about the challenges facing local charities) made us think less about our own wallets and more about the plight of organizations that rely on donations to provide much-needed community services. While we are struggling with our holiday shopping lists and our holiday budgets, many local charities are trying to meet increased demand when donations are flat.
Given the state of the economy, consumers will have less to spend on charities and holiday shopping this year. By taking some tips from Charity Navigator, we’ve decided to engage in some philanthropic shopping and buy a handful of our gifts directly from some of our favorite charities. This way we’ll make our dollar do double duty - we can knock a few items off our lists while simultaneously supporting organizations that make our city a better place to live and work. Now that seems like a nice way to add to the spirit of the season!
To find great holiday gifts with a charitable twist, check the websites of your favorite charities and look for items in local boutiques where a portion of proceeds go back to support local organizations.
2009 Firefighter Calendar- $15
One particular cause close to our hearts this season is of course Fired Up for Kids. Each year Fired Up for Kids produces the annual firefighter calendar with 15 of Denver’s hottest firefighters. The calendar makes a perfect stocking stuffer and all proceeds go to the Burn Center at The Children’s Hospital.
Also on our list this year are products from Eako- a sustainable luxury company that has transformed decomissioned London Fire Brigade hose into a stylish line of handbags and accessories. Eako generously donates 50% of proceeds back to Fired up for Kids when customers use the code FIREDUPFORKIDS at checkout.
