Black Friday is notorious for bringing out the worst in people. Shoppers are known to make gigantic messes in stores, fight each other, and mistreat retailers while searching for that perfect deal. That said, some companies use the crazy "shopiday" for good, donating a chunk of their profits to important causes. Patagonia, for instance, donated 100% of its Black Friday profits to nearly 800 environmental organizations. So while Black Friday may not have the nicest reputation, some good certainly does come out of it.
If you're like me and chose to sit out on the chaos this Friday, you might be planning to shop on Cyber Monday instead. Here's a list of companies that are giving back this Cyber Monday. If you're planning on spending money anyway, it may as well be to a good cause!
Apiece Apart
This clothing store will donate 5% of all sales to Planned Parenthood this weekend. This is part of the #womentogether campaign, in which many women-run businesses are banding together to fight for equal rights and celebrate female empowerment.
Bonobos
Bonobos is working with Goodwill and Give Back Box to make it easier to donate unwanted clothes to those in need. For every purchase you make, you can repurpose the Bonobos box into a donation box. Just fill your box with any items you wish to donate, attach a label that Bonobos sends you with your purchase, put your box in the mail, and it will be sent to the closest GoodWill free of charge.
Athleta
For every special edition gift card sold, Athleta will donate $1 to Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that strives to teach girls they can do anything with hard work, determination, and confidence.
Uniform
For every purchase, this clothing brand will donate a school uniform to a student in need in Africa.
Building Block
Building Block will donate 40% of sales to The Center For Constitutional Rights, which works to protect Human Rights for all people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.