From Under Your Tree to Around the World -
For Christians, Christmas is more than a tree with presents and milk and cookies. But even so, most of us love to decorate the tree, fill the underneath with gifts and Christmas morning is met with great expectation. But is there a way to give gifts and still remember those who don't have the luxury of a pile of neatly wrapped gifts? We believe there is. Jesus' birth was the ultimate gift because it was the birth of His mission to give His life. And while we can't give life, we can follow His commands to help those who are less fortunate than we; which is life-giving in many ways. Below are two ways that you can purchase while helping others around the world.
Krochet Kids International
Who They Are: Krochet Kids International is a non-profit dedicated to ending poverty by supplying skill training for "reliable income, education training and personal care" through the sale of hand-crocheted hats to benefit women in Northern Uganda. After extensive research on communities in Northern Uganda, Krochet Kids has selected 10 women based upon economic status, personal background and number of dependants for an opportunity to work for salary crocheting hats to be sold in the United States. Most of these women are young adult orphans that are heading one or more households, those who have been displaced or abducted due to the war in Northern Uganda, and whose past has wrongly told them they do not have a future. They look for the least of the least. These women are trained with skills to cochet for a good salary, and provide a sustainable income for their family. In addition, these women are taught financial stewardship of budgeting, financial savings, and small business management, so they make continue this change for generations to come.
What They Do: The Ugandan women of Krochet Kids crochet hats in many sizes, shapes and colors that they may be sold in order to be given back to the community. 100% of the proceeds goes back to the community in order to promote health care, education and clean water through local programs. These community incentives allow for to establish a stable environment that will last for generations.
What You Can Do: This Christmas, buy a hat. For you, your mom, your brother, your youth group leader. Buying a hat is all it takes to support these women and these communities. You buy one hat for someone you know, and you help someone you don't.
How: Visit
krochetkids.org for more information regarding their program, bios on the women who crochet, and the numerous knit hats you can purchase!
Toms ShoesWho They Are: Beginning in May 2006, Tom's shoes is dedicated to supplying shoes for children around the world who do not have this luxury. They have already donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 South Africa. Their goal for 2008 is to give away 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need.
What They Do: For every pair of shoes purchases, Toms donates a pair to a child in need. One for One. It's that simple.
What You Can Do: This Christmas supply a child with a pair of shoes; or four. Purchase shoes for everyone in your family, on your worship team, or ask for them as a gift. You will get shoes, but give them to someone in need. This December, they are trying to get
30k shoes in 30 days!
How: Visit
tomsshoes.com for more information about the cause, to view their collection, shop online, or find a retailer closest to you.
