3 Easy Ways Fashionistas Can Participate in #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a day to encourage giving and philanthropy. This movement started only 6 years ago but has grown immensely because of the power of social media. There are many ways to participate and many causes to get behind. For more information, visit GivingTuesday.org. To make it super easy for we fashion enthusiasts, I thought it would be cool to highlight a few fashion-related ways to give.

Donate Clothing to Charity-based Thrift Stores

As a fashion blogger, I receive more clothing than I need, so I tend to cycle items out of my closet often. When I do that, I take my things to St. Vincent de Paul. Their thrift stores make donated goods available for free or at a low cost to its shoppers. And, the revenues raised support important programs, including rent, food, and utility assistance to people with low incomes. Unlike similar organizations, St. Vincent de Paul spends over 90% of its budget on programming.

Donate to a Coat Drive

That great coat we never wear could give the gift of warmth to someone who doesn’t have a coat this winter. Many organizations are making it easy by facilitating coat drives. Even retailers are getting involved. J.Crew stores across the country are hosting the My Crew Gives Warmth coat drive. Burlington stores are hosting the Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drives. To locate coat drives near you or for help organizing one, visit One Warm Coat.

Donate to a Women’s Shelter

I donated my entire collection of nail polishes (most of which I had never used) as well as some polish removers and cotton balls to a shelter with teenage girls recently. They were so appreciative and held a spa day for the girls. I was in turn moved and encouraged to do more. Items we could easily take for granted, like feminine hygiene products, makeup, and bras are in high demand in many women’s shelters.

Related to #GivingTuesday: 4 Ways to Give Thoughtfully