There are many ways you can incorporate philanthropy in your every day life and even your not so everyday life when vacationing. I’m known for researching something a lot before any of my purchases big or small. If something costs a little more and an organization will benefit from it, I usually end up going with that option. One Friday a month, I will post a list of 5 organizations for Philanthropy Friday. Hope you enjoy and are inspired to purchase with your heart! See you next Friday.

Crayon Collection

Their Mission:

“Our mission is simple: to collect as many crayons as possible and donate them to kids in need. Billions of crayons are produced in the U.S. each year, and much of that ends up in our landfills. These petroleum-derived crayons can take years – even decades- to decompose. Meanwhile, U.S. teachers in underfunded public schools are spending an average of $750 of their own income per year on supplies for their classrooms.”

Visit www.crayoncollection.org

Out of Print Tote Bag

Purchase of this bag sends one book to a community in need. Buy at www.outofprintclothing.com for $18

Trash Bags to Travel Bags

“ASCF, Inc. provides foster care children with a suitcase/duffle bag to be filled with crayons, coloring and reading books and/or teddy bears, replacing the current common practice of youth transporting belongings in trash bags when changing homes.  With the support of donors and Community partners, Trash Bags to Travel Bags works to eliminate this negative message to children that they, and their belongings, are trash which can seriously affect the long term self-esteem of youth in this vulnerable population. Bags have been distributed at Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) court hearings, to group homes and directly to foster care youth throughout the State of Maryland.”

Visit astepcloser.org for more information. There are many organizations that do this so you could google “trash bags to travel bags” to find something you can visit locally.

9 Million Meals

Rachel Ray is sponsoring this challenge to raise enough money to fund 9 million meals for those struggling with hunger around the country. Visit Feeding America and Share our Strength for more information.

Chantecaille Makeup

Chantecaille Makeup has a variety of beautifully designed palettes and compacts that benefit different organizations. Save tigers, bees, sharks or monarchs with these options above.