I’ve always loved giving gifts that have a little extra to them - you know, like purchasing some gorgeous jewelry or clothing that was handmade and gives back part of the profits to a charity supporting the artisans and/or their culture, or donating to a worthwhile fund in a friend’s name, or giving eco gifts - items that are well-made while benefiting the environment. Whether it’s home decor made from recycled materials (the previously linked site features such innovations as mailboxes, tables, and chairs all made from old traffic signs) or hydrogen-powered children’s toys (the most futuristic remote control car kit ever?), it’s always fun to be able to pick out a gift that’s amazing in its own right, while the environmental and charity benefits back it up to give it that extra added oomph.
Here’s something I “stumbled upon” earlier today and thought was kinda cool - a charity that lets you donate more than just your old clothes or trinkets. Car Angel allows you to donate your old car, boat, RV, or even a house or a plane (whoa) in order to help them further their cause of helping the homeless, supporting single mothers, and both treating and preventing drug addiction. One of the ways that they use your car donation is to help create anti-drug and educational children’s videos. Press play on the video below to see an example!
A bag for a good cause — the World Food Programme Feed Bag is modeled after the grain bags used to deliver food to schools in need around the world. A sturdy reversible bag, made out of natural burlap and cotton, it is a tangible way to make a difference in the fight against world hunger. Every World Food Programme Feed Bag sold will feed one child for a whole year in school. School feeding acts as a magnet, dramatically increasing enrollment, sometimes by as much as 100 percent. It also improves performance at school; children concentrate better on a full stomach. Girls who go to school not only marry later but have half as many children than illiterate women. Furthermore, these children are healthier and better educated. School feeding is a simple but effective way to beat hunger and poverty.The FEED Project is a partnership between the United Nations World Food Program and Lauren Bush, WFP Honorary Spokesperson. World Food Programme Feed Bag are available exclusively at Amazon for $59.95 and is eligible for free shipping. These make a great gift for anyone who cares about making a difference in the world, and can do double-duty as either a stylish tote bag or a reusable, eco-friendly grocery bag. Whatever you use it for, it’s a great bag, great idea, and a very good purchase.
