A bitch gives back. Yes, even in this economy…and, yes, even if she’s on a budget.
Remember that old boyfriend who kept insisting it’s not the size of the boat but the motion of the ocean? He was right (sort of, uh-we’ll save this discussion for another day). When it comes to charity, it’s the motion—the act—the generous gesture—the habit– that matters way more than size.
Giving back has become part of the fabric of how we live and we go out of our way to buy products and use services that not only share our views but support causes we care about in the process.
For those of you who have been following us from the beginning you know we have a sweet spot for Baking for Good. We’ve taken to ordering their delicious treats for friends and family instead of sending flowers. Based on the idea of a bake sale, Baking for Good sells all-natural, made-to-order brownies, cookies, and other treats, and 15% of every purchase goes to a charity you choose. That’s right, bitches, you can send cranberry-orange shortbread to Aunt Marie and support the ASPCA in honor of all her cats, or order chocolate crackles for your nephew Johnny’s birthday and support First Book. Yes, this can be a little pricey for us B’s on a budget, but it’s like giving several gifts at once; you get to give to charity, to a friend and to yourself. You save precious time because it sooo easy. (Face it that’s why you sent flowers and yummy treats sure beat sending limp, overpriced, you’re never sure they’ve been delivered bouquets.)
Then there’s Bidding for Good, a totally genius organization that let’s you buy and sell virtuously- virtually. In the words of their CEO John Carson, “By aggregating thousands of silent auctions online we can both help schools and charities make more money (sometimes a lot more money) while giving consumers a place where they can find unique items, get some great deals, all while knowing that almost all of their spending is going to help schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, arts organizations, etc.” We’ve found baseball tickets, travel deals, Sunday brunch bargains; it’s one stop-auction bidding at your fingertips. Check ‘em out; it’s worth the click!
Philanthropy, girls, it’s in the air. Figure out what works for you…big or little…give money or time or stuff.
Tell us: how do you give?
I’ve been actively involved in volunteering for years. Whether it was participating in collecting bears for kids with cancer, walking in the relay for life, sending textbooks to literacy programs for Africa, or feeding the homeless a Thanksgiving meal, I was front and center for years.
Unfortunately, as a grad student, and part-time clerk, I have had less time to donate. These days, I help raise money for St. Baldrick’s each year, as my boyfriend shaves his head for kids with cancer, I attend fundraisers and donate money to the local no-kill animal shelter and more recently, our cat hospital’s benevelant fund, and I donate about 10 hours of my time a week volunteering at the local library. I can’t imagine a time in my life when I won’t find something to keep me volunteering and actively involved!
Blogs like yours always make me jealous!
Great work! I keep working to build a following to me charity for cars site, guess it just takes time.
I make a point of donating a dollar or so every time I’m in the Wawa or whatever store is “selling” those donation tags for a dollar. I keep change in my car so I can donate when the college kids are collecting for Kids with Cancer or whatever cause. I donate used clothes. I make sure I know when my sons school is having thier food/clothing/toy drive. I want my kids to know that yeah, money is really tight for us, but we have a roof over our heads, heat, food and little luxuries like cable tv, internet, etc.
I also walk in the Komen Race for the Cure. Every year I hope its the last time we have to walk.
Your post today is a wonderful example of paying it forward. In fact, one time a nice man stopped to help me as my car was on the side of the road with a flat tire. After he made the change, I tried to give him a bit of money for his trouble and kindness. He politely declined, and he asked if I had seen the movie, ‘Pay It Forward?’ I had not. He simply asked me to watch it, he smiled and got into his car. That stuck with me. I try to lead my life with that simple message. Just last week, as the bra color status updates on facebook took the media and facebook users by storm, after I tried to find ways in which that campaign was actually helping to heighten awareness of breast cancer and the need for research & funds for such research, I was compelled to ‘do something more.’ It’s a small, but mighty engine that could story. Please join the facebook group
“Bra Color Status Updates for Dollars.” I started the page late in the evening that everyone was posting colors on their pages. Each new member is asked to pledge $1 for breast cancer research and share personal stories and links to raise awareness of how the disease affects us all. We will gladly accept more than a $1. It’s a start. We hope to interest Facebook executives to match our donations. Regardless, it takes just a minute to help this cause. One day, it will be wonderful to not need breast cancer research dollars. That day will come when we have found a cure. Those dollars can then go to funding that cure. Thank you for your inspiration. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=662935926#/group.php?gid=244021562281&ref=mf
Since I lost my job in April I have been volunteering at my church. We have a food pantry that is open every Tuesday and I work 1 or 2 days per month. We also give baskets of food out for the major holidays. This year my family and friends donated new clothes for our odds and ends table for the Christmas food basket distribution. I also pick up our clients and taken them home because some of them don’t have cars. I also delivered baskets to people who could not get out due to the weather. I also work our church’s fish fry. It gets me out of the house and I really enjoy seeing our clients. We all should do our part and since I have a lot of time on my hands I am able to put the time in when I couldn’t before and I enjoy it.
I launched therideproject.com and have committed to donate $1,000,000 to the Myelin Repair Foundation in search of a cure for MS and other neurological diseases. To reach this goal, I am donating 50% of sales of my limited edition fine art photography focusing on things that move. (Cycling, Surfing…..)
This year, I talked to both sides of our family, which included 7 kids, and asked them all if they would consider in lieu of gifts to each give donations to a charity appropriate for them, i.e., kids would donate to a children’s charity, etc. It worked our really well this year; everyone really didn’t need any more “stuff” for Christmas, so was nice to see everyone participate and I hope we made a difference in someone’s lives this most difficult year.
Giving back has been part of my fabric for years. Someone is always in need, so I’ve selected a few charities that I support financially, working small donations into my monthly budget. My mom, her sister and I have started making a charitable donation at Christmas, rather than exchanging gifts.
I’ve also connected with some reputable charities who do pick ups in my neighborhood periodically. I always try to cull from the closets when they are coming around. What is easier than leaving the goods on the front steps for them to pick up? In return, they leave a receipt for tax deductions.
I’m on the board of a local charter school. I first came in contact with this school six years ago through a city-wide volunteer event, and was so impressed with this program’s approach to education, I had to get more involved.
Finally, I shop at places like Ten Thousand Villages when I can. These stores are non-profit and ensure fair trade of hand-made goods in developing countries.
Giving back is really pretty simple if you take a little time to get educated on everything that is available. I’ve loved reading the other savvy comments here.
As I lose weight, I try to swap clothes with my friends who have gained weight so we can keep the cute clothes going around without having to spend money
I just had a baby 7 months ago so its nice to be able to swap clothes with all my friends (mostly mommies too lol)
I am founder/CEO of SparklesForever.com and I strongly believe & try to live by these words: “When you Learn, Teach. When you get, Give.” — Maya Angelou.
So many women worldwide aren’t as fortunate as us. We tend to get caught in our own fabulous world and at times we take it for granted. We shouldn’t feel guilty for being privileged but what if we can feel great for being fabulous and make another women/girl in the world feel the same at the same time?
SparklesForever.com wants to help bring awareness to many women causes, such as help rape victims, save a slave (human trafficking), teach a girl or even help her start her own business. We also support Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Every time you shop at SparklesForever.com, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to help a women’s or girls cause to make a difference in their future. You decide where you would like to make a difference in the world.
SparklesForever wants to share this movement with all women of the world and together we can help other women in need of help. We can help accelerate change if we open our hearts. Let’s all sparkle together knowing that we are making a difference in this world, one woman at a time. We can all Sparkle for a Cause.
My home was destroyed in the Iowa floods of June 2008. While my husband and I were rebuilding, he filed for divorce and left me with the house and then I lost my job. I vowed I would not only survive but rise as a stronger person and pay it forward. Now I am a SINGLE licensed foster parent and I am in the process of adopting 2 little girls out of foster care. I am also a board member of Families Helping Families which advocates for needs of children in foster care in Iowa (www.familieshelpingfamiliesofiowa.com).
I keep cases of tomato soup and warm white crew socks in my car (I buy them at Target and/or KMart when they are on sale) . Whenever I see someone asking for help because they are homeless I give them soup and socks. I figure that tomato soup (with the pull tab on top to open) is good warm or just open up and drink it. I also buy up alot of kids gloves and jackets on sale and/or at thrift stores so I can give the children a little warmth in their life. Sometimes when I stop for gas I have been known to buy a sandwich or breakfast sandwich in the gas station store and give it to someone standing on the corner. I truly believe in “pay it forward”. I have picked up the tab for the people behind me in the drive through at various fast food restaurants. Even if they don’t need a hand out I just feel good about doing random acts of kindness….
I donate clothes mostly, for everything new that’s bought something old has to vacate the closet and that goes for all family members, it keeps things down to a dull roar and really makes you think do I really need or want this
You should be proud!
Absolutely.
Will we get an A for effort?
I want to share with you how my “Minnie B” gave back. My 7 year old daughter is horse crazy. She rides and shows in Maryland and Delaware.
Last year, I was on a horse show association website and saw a post about several horses being seized by the Fingerlakes SPCA. There were some graphic photos and a cry for help. These horses needed homes, food, medical care, etc. It was a horrible situation.
She saw me teary-eyed and asked what was upsetting me. I explained and her reply was “I want to help”
She decided that in lieu of gifts for her Birthday, she wanted to collect donations for the horses. We had a great party and she collect a nice donation for the SPCA.
She got a beautiful thank you from Fingerlakes SPCA and a photo of the horse that her money was helping. I’m very proud of her selfless act. She was only 6 at the time, and I thought it was a very grown up decision.
It just shows that EVERYONE can make a difference! No matter their age.