12.12.14

Give Back

I'm a shopaholic.  I think that's pretty clear.  But during this hyper-shopping season, sometimes it's nice to spend money on someone besides myself and my loved ones.  I make a point each month to give to a different charity or organization for whatever reason.  It's usually just $25.  If I can afford a Michael Kors watch or Tory Burch flats (both retailing less than $300, the total amount I give a year), I can give that same amount away to someone who deserves it.

Many people, including myself, donate to the BIG FOUNDATION (see American Cancer Society, Make a Wish, ASPCA, etc.) when donating.  But here are 5 groups/people who could use some support.


A Week Away is not only a local charity for me, but one that has been shaken very recently.  The founder, who started the charity after being diagnosed with a terminal cancer, passed away a week ago.  He started the charity to give terminal cancer patients and their families a week away from the troubling doctors visits and treatment, to spend time with their loved ones and just enjoy life.

Did you go on an alternative spring break in college?  If so, you most likely went with Break Away!  Break Away pushes college students to become active citizens in their universe.  This one is close to me due to one of my oldest and closest friends working in their headquarters.  This group has given her so much in life and it's been amazing to see her grow and become such an amazing leader.  This group is great at training college students to become amazing global citizens.

One of my friends from college is writing a book!  She has become a health and wellness coach and is writing a book on healthy living (mind, body, and soul).  She is one of the most positive and uplifting people I have met, and has some wonderful ideas.  Girls tend to be really tough on themselves, but Laura has a brilliant confidence that is inspiring and should be shared with the world!

Can you imagine life without clean water?  I certainly can't.  This charity is close to a wonderful friend of mine who grew up in the same town as me.  Our town has a natural spring that didn't really mean much to me (besides the bubbling and the water you could drink straight from the bubbles) until someone told me it was on the seven geological wonders of the world (uh what?).  It was then I realized that clean water is not normal.  Clean water is a stimulus for so much besides good health.  I can't imagine being scared to take a drink, and neither should many other people in the world!

Education is huge with me.  If you've been to college, you know how expensive it is - even if you get a full ride.  Kids with the drive and desire to get an education should not be deprived of the opportunity because they can't afford it.  The Shine Project has great shirts and jewelry for sale.  The proceeds go to high schoolers who are unable to afford secondary education.  Not only do you do something nice for someone, but you get something cute out of it.  Just think - you could be putting your future doctor through college!





14 comments:

  1. Some great ideas- thanks so much for sharing. I think a lot of people are like me who want to give and help, but not sure where to start!

    www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such incredible ideas and we love all of these. We're big fans of the Ronald McDonald foundation that gives back to children with cancer but providing camps for them and their siblings to get away and have some fun. Another amazing way to give back!!

    xx 365hangers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm such a big fan of the Ronald McDonald house as well! My sorority actually had them as our national charity, and we would travel to the local house to clean & cook for the families. Such a great charity that's very near & dear to my heart!

      - Sarah :)

      Delete
  3. This is such an amazing idea! Definitely inspires me to give back to those in need! Thanks for helping me get started! xx

    http://vasilikibeauty.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this post! I think it's so important to remember to give back, especially this time of year. The Shine Project sounds amazing, since I agree the cost of education shouldn't stop anyone from going to school. Thanks for sharing! :)

    Chelsea
    Chowing Down by the Bay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And thanks for stopping by, Chelsea - I'm checking out your blog now :)

      - Sarah :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Sarah! I LOVE that you did this post! I agree that it is so important to give back to organizations that are doing something to positively impact our communities and the world at large. Like yourself, I regularly give monthly to various organizations. I believe we have a responsibility to reach out and help others. And I think it is so wonderful that you put a spotlight on that through your blog post! Kudos to you for spreading some love and positivity to your favorite charitable organizations this Christmas season!
    Warmest Regards,
    Cynthia at styleneverstops.com
    P.S. Thanks for leaving comments on my blog this week. I love getting to interact with you via our blog comments. Have a wonderful weekend Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cynthia! I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I greatly enjoy our interaction as well! I love blogging and meeting other bloggers in the process!

      - Sarah :)

      Delete
  6. Oh Sarah, what a great post. It made me almost cried because before checking your post I was checking out some expensive things that I wanted for myself and your post reminded me that is crazy sometimes when you think about it:(
    xo
    Elmira
    http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, Elmira - I don't want you to cry! I'm so glad you liked the post - giving back is very important to me - it's part of why I love blogging... you all give me so much, I want to give back to you, too!

      - Sarah :)

      Delete
  7. Such a lovely post here, Sarah! I love that you have shared this with us around the holidays! I love finding new organizations and things to donate to. This is such a great share and list. You are the sweetest!

    Denise
    www.fashionloveletters.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, you posted some really incredible ideas-- it's getting me in the giveback mindset!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing, honey!

    ♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow this is a great project! I love the idea.

    Have a great day! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete