K.I.D. Collective

The holidays offer plenty of opportunity for indulgence. From gifts to food to drink even the most conscientious person tends to over do it, at least a little. Tis the season, as they say. As an alternative to all the consumption, there are so many organizations around the world that are in need. Especially this time of year when the high in my neighborhood was 15 degrees and the overnight low settling in around zero. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be homeless. Typing that just makes my heart break.

So in honor of the season of giving, here are a number of ways to give back. Whether it’s by purchasing products, volunteering your time or just donating cold hard cash in a friend or family member’s name or even your own the possibilities are endless. The list below is one that is near and dear to each of our hearts. Take some time checking out the links. There are some great products to purchase that support each cause as well as a number of ways to donate.

Thanks to everyone for the positive support this week on my first ever round of gift guides. My first year of blogging is nearing an end and I can’t believe the tremendous support group that has developed. I could not have pulled together such a well rounded list if it weren’t for each and every one of the bloggers featured this week. Also, thanks to everyone for commenting, sending me emails, retweeting and facebook messaging me. I love spending time developing this blog and it’s content and, although I don’t make any money doing it, it’s nice to know it’s appreciated.

SIMPLE LOVELY : Women for Women : Mission : Helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. From seeds to sewing machines, there are a number of ways to give back. If you prefer not to purchase products you can also donate cash.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Women’s Bean Project : Mission : Helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. WB is a nonprofit organization that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in the gourmet food production business. Buy a range of gifts like brownie mix, bean soup, or even a gift basket.

PAIGE NYKOLE : Oxfam : Mission : We work directly with communities and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them. For just $30, you can buy a miracle tree and your gift will help a family learn to plant their own trees and produce enough seeds to purify their drinking water.

JEVAN : Chill : Mission : Build the self-esteem of underserved youth through board sports. Get involved here.

Another great cause that deserves attention is the Colon Club. Their mission is dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal cancer in an out-of-the-box way. My father along with a very close friend have both gone through the trials and tribulations of colon cancer. The most difficult symptom to detect is, oddly enough, no symptoms at all. Because of this, it’s often that the cancer isn’t found until a late stage. This is why awareness is so critical. Fortunately both my dad and Dom are on the road to recovery.