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!
