Holiday,  Inspiration

One Small Act In Gift Giving Can Create A Ripple Effect Across the World

 

ripples water

In this season of Joy, Love and Generosity – While you’re shopping, why not give a gift that can have an impact on someone’s life.

“No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” –Amelia Earhart

This year I’ve been so inspired by some people I’ve met and the work they are doing to make a difference.  Some acts have been small, other’s have become very big over time but the commonality is each person saw a problem and decided to take action.  The collective force of many small acts is making a difference and potentially changing the world.

I’d like to introduce you to a few organizations and their causes that you just may want to add to your Christmas list.  Why, because by planting even a small seed you are bringing hope or opportunity to someone you don’t know.  You will definitely touch someone’s life, and you may even be a part of answering what they may be praying for.

“Never believe one small act doesn’t make a difference, It does.  Never believe one person can’t change the world, You can.  The power lies in your heart.”    –Elle

Here’s my One Small Act List for 2014 – Your donation or purchase will definitely make a difference.

Organization:  The Empowerment Plan

There are more than 20,000 homeless living on the streets of Detroit.  The Empowerment Plan employees homeless people in shelters to make sleeping bag coats.  The coats are given to the homeless free of charge to help them stay warm during the frigid Detroit winters.  For $100 you can gift a coat.  Any amount can help their cause.

Empowerment zone coatsGive the gift of warmth – The original and current sleeping bag coat given free to the homeless in Detroit.

Organization:  Hosea Feed The Hungry

Hosea feed the hungryThanksgiving dinner at Hosea Feed the Hungry

It’s hard to believe but it’s true, 1 in 7 people in America are turning to organizations for help to obtain food.

This Thanksgiving Hosea Feed The Hungry served more than 9,000 people in Atlanta for dinner and they would like to do the same for Christmas.  According to their website they are in critical need of food items and financial contributions to be able to supply the need.  Any contribution will be helpful and if you’re in Atlanta consider voluteering.  Just click here.

Another organization that provides food banks across America to help those in need is Feeding America.  They run food banks nationwide where people in need can get food for free.  Consider supporting them as they help others.

Organization:  City Year Washington DC and 24 other locations.

City Year member mentoring a youth in Washington, DC

City Year Washington, DC is an organization that provides 150 young adults to serve as mentors. tutors, and leaders in 13 DC elementary and middle schools to children in high-poverty communities.  The results have been significant improvements in literacy scores, academics and school attendance with some of the cities poorest students.

You can help City Year change the academic success of students in DC or at 24 other cities by donating.  Learn more at CityYear.org

Organization: Re:Loom

ReLoom tote

Hand woven Tote bag from Re:Loom

Re:Loom employs and empowers homeless and low-income people through weaving and selling beautiful products from recycled materials.  You can support them employ others and reduce homelessness by purchasing a product or making a donation.  Just visit Re:Loom and learn more.

Organization:  Ebony Horsewomen

ebony-horsewomen-equestrianA student at the Ebony Horsemen Program

Patricia Kelly, a former U.S. Marine and an equestrian, founded the Ebony Horsewomen in 1984.  Her organization operates a full-service equestrian and agricultural progam that helps transform the culture and lives of inner-city at-risk youth through horseman assisted therapy.

Their programs and summer day camps work with over 300 youth and create an environment for love through horsemanship training that results in building leaders, detering destructive behavior, and increasing academic achievement.  You can visit Ebony Horsewomen US to learn more and support their great work with at-risk youth.

The Ebony Horsewomen, Inc and Ms. Kelly were honored as a CNN Hero this year.

Organization:  Purchase Effect

leather ipad case - Purchase effectIpod case from Purchase Effect

Know someone who loves handmade, one-of-a-kind items from Thailand, Cambodia, India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Swaziland and more.  Then you will love the products and stories behind them at Purchase Effect.

Each piece is personal and every purchase effects a life.  Your purchase will help feed an orphan, restore a trafficking victim, or fund a school for street kids. There’s everything from handbags to jewelry.  Visit them, shop and learn more at PurchaseEffect.org.

 

Organization:  Books for Africa

Books for AfricaBooks for Africa eliminates poverty of the imagination by bringing books to children across the continent.

As a kid I loved to read and I can’t imagine children not being able to because they don’t have books.  Shipping books is a simple act that can be transformative.  Books for Africa collects, sorts, ships, and distributes books to students of all ages in Africa. There goal is to end the book famine in Africa.

All financial donations help cover the cost of shipping the books to African locations of need.  You can learn how to donate books or money at Books for Africa.

I could go on and on.  There are so many deserving organizations doing great work to help people in need.  I hope you find a way to be generous to these organizations or an organization you know could use a donation this Christmas.

You can create a ripple and do your part to change the world.

Quote - Love only grows

Until next time …

Elle's Christmas signature