Sometimes when you buy a gift, it helps make the world a better place.
Some organizations and retail shops donate the money you spend on their items to local charities. It's a great way to make gift giving even more meaningful.
Here are 7 Tucson places that donate part or all of their proceeds to local charities.
Go shopping. Change the world.
What: When you purchase jewelry from A Nice World, 33 percent of the money goes to charity. Most designs offer options to donate toward the earth, people, animals and peace. There's also Braille jewelry that benefits a sight-related cause.
A Nice World also does custom fundraisers for local organizations by creating custom pieces that benefit them when purchased. Organizations include YWCA, All Souls Procession and more.
Where: Click here to shop online
Cost: Starting at $22
Ben's Bells ornaments are available at its Shop KIND retail shop downtown.
What: The Ben's Bells retail store is full of hand-made goodies from necklaces and coffee mugs to kindness coins and ornaments. When you buy something from the shop, you're helping the organization fund kindness education and further its mission of intentional kindness.
Where: 40 W. Broadway or click here for the website
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Info: Click here
Each package comes with 15 different cards featuring the photos taken by children experiencing homelessness.
What: Founded by photojournalist Linda Solomon, Pictures of Hope is a program that teaches underprivileged kids how to illustrate their hopes and dreams using a camera. Solomon gives each child who participates in the program their own point-and-shoot camera and shows them how to use it. The kids then go out with a mentor from the community and take pictures of something that illustrates their dreams. The photos are turned into greeting cards and sold — all proceeds go to the Salvation Army in Tucson to benefit families in need.
Where: To order a set of cards, email dawn.rocheleau@usw.salvationarmy.org
Cost: $20
More info: Click here to learn more about Pictures of Hope
Activity kits from WeeWork for Good are a fun way for kids to learn about social issues.
What: Order a craft kit to do with your kids. It comes with an educational booklet about an important social issue and a keepsake to remind kids that they can make a difference. It also comes with an activity book that gives you the chance to talk with kids about social issues in an age-appropriate way. For each kit purchased, WeeWork for Good makes a donation to a charity to address the social issue related to the activity.
Where: Click here to order.
Cost: $17.95 and up
All of Big Heart Coffee’s profits go to local charities.
What: All profits at Big Heart Coffee support local charities such as Shyann Kindness Project, Handi-Dogs of Tucson, Erik Hite Foundation and others. Get that coffee lover on your list a gift certificate.
Where: 4802 E. 22nd Street or click here
Black-tailed prairie dog pups have begun to emerge from their burrows to socialize, learn and play together with their peers and their parents at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Monday, May 7, 2012, in Tucson, AZ. Photo by Ron Medvescek/Arizona Daily Star.
What: Did you know you can "adopt" a prairie dog, javelina, Gila monster, Mexican gray wolf or hummingbird from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum? 'Tis true. Your symbolic adoption of the critter helps the museum provide care for its animals.
It would make a cool gift for anyone who loves animals.
Packages: There are two adoption packages: Basic and Enhanced. The Basic Adoption Package includes a personalized adoption certificate, subscription to Desert Dispatch e-newsletter, a 4x6 glossy photo of your adopted animal, educational materials, "Proud Parent" recognition on the website and exclusive access to your own adopted animal webpage. The Enhanced Package includes all of the above AND a Plushie of your adopted animal and a "Proud Parent" canvas tote bag.
Where: Click here
Cost: $35 for basic and $50 for enhanced
What: The West is a volunteer-run retail store specializing in gifts, toys, cards and needlework supplies and classes. Proceeds benefit women and children's charities in Tucson.
Where: 5615 E. River Road, suite 101
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Info: Click here
