I think many people want to help others, but they often don’t know how. I have heard people say that they want to fill the needs in our communities, but they don’t have any idea what they are. If we stop for a second and look around us, we can see it. The hardest thing is just stopping for a beat. In the midst of our jobs, family obligations, and are our own personal struggles, we just have to stop and pay attention.
You don’t have to be a full-time missionary, or jet set to third world counties to help others either. You honestly can do something as small as buying Christmas presents from a different retailer not found in your local mall. It really can be that simple.
This holiday season we will spend over $600 billion according to the National Retail Federation. There is power in the money that we choose to spend and it is our decision to use that power in ways that can help or harm people. What we don’t realize is that many of the items we purchase are cheap because they were made by people in other countries under horrible working conditions. These people have been exploited by us in America. Whether we choose to acknowledge this or not, doesn’t change what is going on. It is happening in front of us even if we aren’t paying attention.
The good news is that there are TONS of companies out there who are making a difference. We can choose to purchase some (or all) of our Christmas gifts through companies who are doing amazing things. I will share some of the ones I’m familiar with below. We can take our $600 billion and continue to exploit our fellow human beings. We can also take $600 billion and help women who have been involved in the sex trade have a job and receive counseling and support. We can take our $600 billion and provide funds for missionaries working outside the US. We can help people in other countries like Ethiopia receive fair compensation for the products they are providing. It’s your choice. Do you want to contribute to the problem or be a part of the solution?
I’m outlining several companies below that sell different products. The one thing that they all have in common is they are making a difference. Some of these companies use profits to minister to others through counseling, education, and provide jobs with equitable pay.
If you are looking to buy cute earrings for your bestie, candles for your mother-in-law, or want your hubby to buy you a fantastic new purse, I’ve got you covered. Here are several companies whose products and business model are making a difference in the world. You can buy Christmas gifts and helps others at the same time. It is a win-win for all.
Thistle Farms: Candles, essential oils, tea & coffee, and some clothing.
Thistle Farms is a powerful community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. We employ more than 50 survivors through our social enterprises which include a natural body care company, Thistle Stop Cafe, artisan studio, and global marketplace called Shared Trade. Started in 1997 by Rev. Becca Stevens under the name Magdalene, Thistle Farms includes a two-year residential program and advocacy services for up to 700 women yearly.
Live Fashionable: Women’s goods such as purses, jewelry, scarves, etc.
FASHIONABLE’s role in this story is working with women, both locally and globally, who have overcome challenges ranging from prostitution to addiction to a lack of opportunity.
Noonday Collection: Jewelry and some accessories like scarves.
We partner with talented artisan entrepreneurs to make a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. By developing artisan businesses through fair trade, we empower them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them. Together we’re building a flourishing world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs and we are connected.
Sevenly: T-shirts for men and women, wall art, journals, etc.
Sevenly was founded in 2011 by four people who shared the mission of leading a generation toward generosity. Based on a core belief that “People Matter,” they began a journey to do their part in helping to change the world for the better. Every week, Sevenly highlights a new cause or charity partner, passionately promotes them for seven days, and creates unique Cause Art apparel to raise funding for them. For that week, every Cause of the Week item donates $7 or 7% to that partner. All other Sevenly goods donate 7% to the featured cause or our past charity partners.
Red Earth: Women’s jewelry.
We are an ethical lifestyle brand creating jewelry with a rugged elegance, skillfully crafted abroad. We cultivate hope and opportunity through commerce.
Furnace Hills Coffee Company: Coffee.
The vision of Furnace Hills Coffee Company is to employ developmentally disabled people in jobs while providing high quality product that keeps customers coming back.
Krochet Kids International: Scarves, T-shirts, beanies, etc.
Through a unique model we are empowering the women of Northern Uganda and Peru with the assets, skills, and knowledge to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The result is long lasting and sustainable change.
The power to change lives is with us right this second and this Christmas you can make a difference. Let’s use our $600 billion to change the world and make it a better place for all. After all, at its core, Christmas all about loving and helping others.