Today is Colorado Gives Day, one of the largest giving movements in the country. Every December, Coloradans come together for a day to show support for their favorite nonprofits and charities. Since its launch in 2010, Colorado Gives Day has raised over $300 million for nonprofits around the state. During a month of abundance in food, celebrations and gifts, individuals wanting to give back to their communities this year have plenty of ways to do so.. While shopping for gifts for the holidays, here are some ways you can #shoplocalcolorado and find gifts that also give back:
Businesses that provide workforce development:
Social enterprises are businesses that sell products or services and contribute to a larger impact on financial, social or economic well-being. Women’s Bean Project, a Colorado nonprofit and social enterprise, employs women to work in the product development of the goods they sell while providing them with workforce development, career assessment and job search assistance. You can support this cause by buying delicious meals and treats for your loved ones including soup mixes, baked good mixes, spice blends and dog treats on their online store.
You can support individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty by shopping on Earth Links’ online store. Participants in the micro-enterprise workshop program receive a stipend for working in the community garden or making earth-friendly products.
Businesses that support the Arts:
Something Vinyl is a dj and pop-up record store that donates $1 from every record sold to Youth on Record, a Colorado nonprofit that empowers Colorado’s underserved youth to achieve their academic, artistic, and personal best by pairing them with local, professional artists as their mentors and teachers. Something Vinyl will be at the Belmar Bazaar through Christmas, spinning and selling records.
The Manitou Springs Creative District has an online shop that highlights/sells work produced by local creative district businesses.
The I Heart Denver store, located at the Denver Pavilions, showcases more than 200 Colorado-based artists, designers and creative-focused businesses, furthering Colorado’s creative industry economy.
Businesses that give back to the community:
Many businesses sell products or services and also give back to their community. Some local businesses like Be A Good Person, along with the positive message on its product, provide support to local schools and causes, like Make-A-Wish Colorado and water filtration in Flint, Michigan. With each item purchased from BraveHoods, a sweatshirt is gifted to a child battling cancer. To date, this organization has donated more than 10,000 sweatshirts to children and their families.
Hope Tank sells products from companies from around the world and connects customers with local nonprofits. The store provides a sticker with every purchase describing the nonprofit they are supporting and the impact they have on the world.
Businesses that promote sustainable lifestyles:
Give your family or friends a gift of sustainable living when you buy from zero waste stores. These stores provide re-fillable stations to replenish body care products, household cleaners, bulk dry goods and more. Many stores also sell other products that are made from recycled materials and offer alternatives to household staples such as reusable paper towels and makeup remover pads. You can find a list of other sustainable products made in Colorado on the Colorado tourism website.