0’ Christmas Tree, O’ Giving Tree
My favorite time of the year is finally here! I am so excited for the Christmas season especially after the crazy year we have had. For me the holidays is a time to further reflect on what is important which is your family, friends, health, memories, giving & more.
I love having my Christmas tree up as long as possible. For me the Christmas tree is a symbol of joy , celebration & giving. As a kid, like most, I would love to get as many presents as possible. However, as the years have past I have found myself more & more excited about giving whether that is a gift my friend wouldn’t splurge on or giving my time to build last memories with family.
I decided I wanted to share some local places to give this year in Houston plus different places you could shop that would help spread some good during Christmas.
Places to Give This Season [Houston]
Houston Food Bank- currently tripling your gift for #giving Tuesday. Also, opportunities to give your time
Elijah Rising- an organization fighting to end sex trafficking. Each purchase from their shop helps to employ women who have overcome human trafficking.
Project Row Houses- “a community that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape.”
The Montrose Center- empowers communities of the LGBTQIA community to live a healthier & fulfilling life by providing mental health/physical health services.
The Beacon- an organization working to fight homelessness in Houston by providing services to those in need.
The Arc of Greater Houston- a non profit that supports individuals with intellectual & development disabilities
Places to Shop & Give This Season
[ Houston & more]
Baked Bones- Buy your dog some CBD treats while also having a percentage of your purchase go to improve the quality of life for doing without a home.
Box Lunch: They have a ton of Disney merch, Baby Yoda merch/toys, & perfect gifts for Marvel fans. With every $10 spent Box lunch will donate a meal through Feeding America.
2nd Cup- A coffee shop looking to end Human trafficking in Houston. They have ornaments that you can buy that will provide survivors of Human trafficking with groceries, job interview training, & more.
Hand in Hand: Since we all have been washing out hands like crazy this year why not give the gift of soap. With every bar of soap purchased they donate a bar of soap + a month of clean water to a child in need.
Sanctuary Project: Empowering & employing survivors of trafficking, violence, & addiction. 100% of purchases go to employment & job training.
DIFF: an eyewear company that is helping people with eye exams, surgeries, glasses & more with each eyewear purchase.
Uncommon Goods- they have different gifts that support different causes that matter to them.
Liquid IV: is an electrolyte drink mix that helps keep you hydrated. With every purchase they donate sticks globally to help people stay hydrated.
Warby Parker: They sale sunglasses, blue light glasses & reading glasses. When you buy a pair they donate a pair.
The Company Store: If you are looking for bedding to gift this year. With each comforter purchases the Company Store will donate one to a homeless child in America.
Concious Step: This brand sales socks & when you purchase you can pick what cause matters to you from rescuing dogs to saving trees.
Out of the Closet: a thrift shop with clothes, shoes & etc. that donates 0.96 of every $1 earned to HIV/AIDS services.
I hope you are able to find ways to give this year! :) Wishing you & your loved one a marvelous Christmas/Holiday season! Filled with laughter, joy & love!
Best, Scott Perez