Miss Jillian Designs: Great Products that Help Great Causes

This holiday season, why not buy your loved ones gifts that also give back? There are so many great products out there that not only make great gifts, but also support great causes.

31 Bits (www.31bits.com)

What do they do? 31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving these beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. The 31 Bits program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.

What to buy? Necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, wedding jewelry and gift cards.

Not For Sale Campaign (www.notforsalecampaign.org)

What do they do? The major obstacle that we face in the fight against modern-day slavery is that the crime is hidden. Individuals that work in the field know that slavery is not part of the current collective consciousness. Initially, it shocks the general public to learn that slavery still exists and is widespread. It is even more shocking for them to realize that it may exist in their own backyards. A holistic, all-encompassing response is in order. Igniting and aiding this comprehensive response is the Not For Sale Campaign’s purpose. The Not For Sale Campaign bridges knowledge to action. With your help, we are working to raise awareness and collective understanding about human trafficking.

What to buy? Clothing, accessories, gift cards, scarves and journals.

Krochet Kids intl. (www.krochetkids.org)

What do they do? With hook and yarn people can make amazing products. Being paid a fair wage to do so allows for them, for the first time, to provide for their families and begin planning for the future. By teaching these people to crochet, Krochet Kids intl. empowers them to rise above poverty. Today, over 100 people go to the Krochet Kids intl. compound in Northern Uganda everyday to work and to rewrite their stories for the better. The products created abroad from the cooperation of our staff in America and artists in Northern Uganda has created a sustainable cycle of employment and empowerment.

What to buy? Stickers, headwear, clothing and accessories.

Back to the Roots (www.backtotheroots.com)

What do they do? Founded in 2009 as a 100% sustainable urban mushroom farm, BTTR Ventures (aka Back to the Roots) has transformed into a unique company focused on bringing sustainable grow-at-home products into households across the country. Their vision is to serve as a standard bearer of innovation and responsibility in our community in order to inspire others to work towards a more sustainable future. Inspired by the idea of producing local, fresh food from what was an urban waste stream (recycled coffee grounds), Back to the Roots has since grown to create the Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden which lets anyone, across the country, grow their own gourmet mushrooms at home as well.

What to buy? Grow at home mushroom kits, premium soil amendments, replacement bags, t-shirts and monthly mushroom club memberships.

Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com)

What do they do? Everyone has the right to see. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world today don’t have access to proper vision care. To help address this problem, Warby Parker partners with renowned non-profits, such as VisionSpring.org, to deliver one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair that we sell. In doing so, they enable you to share the gift of vision with someone who can’t see today and give them the opportunity to read, to work and to live a fuller life.

What to buy? Optical frames, sunglasses and monocles.

TOMS (www.toms.com)

What do they do? With every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for one. The One for One movement is about people making everyday choices that improve the lives of children. TOMS has given over 1,000,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need around the world.

What to buy? Shoes, apparel, accessories, eyewear and gift cards.

Hand in Hand Soap (www.handinhandsoap.com)

What do they do? For every bar purchased, Hand in Hand will donate a bar to save a child's life. Buy a bar, give a bar. Hand in Hand soap is 100% vegetable based, vegan, organic, gluten-free, biodegradable, palm-free, paraben-free, petrochemical-free, cruelty-free, sustainable and Fair Trade USA certified.

What to buy? Soap – by the 2 pack, 5 pack or 10 pack.