Lately, I've seen numerous headlines about celebrities giving back. Amy Schumer left a $1,000 tip for the bartenders at "Hamilton." Jim Carrey left a $225 tip for a New York City waitress. We love stories of people giving back. It restores our faith in humanity. Unfortunately, as college students, we really can't even leave a $100 tip ... much less go out to eat. We can't justify it! However, we can justify buying clothes. Therefore, I present you with brands that give back. Enjoy buying from these brands while knowing that some of your money is going to a great cause.
1. Ivory Ella
This brand has taken off ever since its 2015 launch. The brand produces clothing, jewelry, accessories and water bottles, all with their signature elephant printed on them. The online retailer donates 10 percent of their net profits to Save The Elephants and other causes. According to their FAQ page, "[These] donations aid in the research of elephant behavior and ecology, the protection of elephants from ivory poachers and traffickers, and in raising awareness of the plight of the elephants."
2. TOMS
With their motto "One for one," they are dedicated to putting shoes on the feet of those who cannot afford such a luxury. Think about that: shoes are a luxury. So for every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS will send a pair to child in need. So far, they have given more than 50 million pairs of new shoes. But TOMS doesn't stop there. For every eyewear purchase, TOMS provides a full eye exam by a trained medical professional and follow-up treatment. Common treatments are providing prescription glasses, sight saving surgery and medical treatment. TOMS has helped restore sight to 360,000 people! TOMS also supplies 140 liters of water (a week's worth of water) through a purchase of their coffee. Over 250,000 weeks of clean drinking water have been given. The bags that TOMS sells go to providing safe birth, while backpacks go to bullying prevention and response programs. That is a lot of selfless love and giving!
3. FEED
According to FEED's website, "hunger is a daily reality for 805 million people around the world. Hunger and malnutrition have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities — making people more susceptible to diseases, causing physical deficiencies due to lack of nutrients and stunting mental abilities." Every time you buy a FEED product, you are giving school meals, emergency relief, micronutrients, vitamin A and mother-child nutrition to people all around the globe, and yes, that does mean people in the United States. Our next door neighbors, friends at school, could be dealing with hunger. So step up and lend support to an organization that has already provided 94,691,161 meals.
4. Out Of Print
Who doesn't love a good book? Well, through this organization, your purchase donates a book to a community in need through their charity partner Books For Africa. Classic covers of "Madeline," "Charlotte's Web," "The Outsiders" and many more are printed on clothing, accessories, home and office goods.
5. The Shine Project
"Wear change. Ignite hope." Founder Ashley LeMieux was interning at an inner city high school when she realized that the students she was working with did not think college was an option, nor did they have adequate mentorship. She took to social media and raised enough money to give scholarships to seven seniors. In 2012, Ashley taught herself how to make bracelets. She then started a jewelery company to employ the youth who she had seen struggling. The Shine Project, from the customer service, shipping, jewlery design to the sales and events involve student employees. Students are then given scholarships, jobs and mentorship. Since 2011, 40 scholarships have been given, and 100 percent of the donations go directly to the students.
6. BootayBag
For $12 a month, BootayBag will send you two new pairs of thongs, cheeky panties or a combination of both. That's cheaper than Victoria's Secret and PINK! It's free to join and cancel the monthly service, and you can skip months. So where does giving back come into play? For every picture you post on social media with the hashtag #undermatters, BootayBag will donate a dollar to the Melanoma Foundation.
7. Love Your Melon
This company is dedicated to "giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America, as well as supporting 501(c)(3) non profit organizations." Founded in an entrepreneurship class in college, friends Zach and Brian put together this idea. All of their products' revenue, beanies, caps, apparel and accessories go to supporting this cause.
Don't feel like spending money? Check out the Charity Miles app for iPhones and Androids. For every mile walked, run or biked they will donate money to a charity of your choice.
Have fun giving back!
