The holidays are the time to be thankful and reflect on all the opportunities we’ve had and all that are to come. But even living in a large city with so many charitable organizations to get involved with, it’s hard to find how to give back. I always had a hard time finding a cause closely connected to what I do, both at work and in blogging. I recently discovered Project Glimmer, a national non-profit organization aimed at motivating and inspiring at-risk teens and women through gifts. You know how a little lipstick or a statement necklace can boost your confidence? Think of how that might help empower a person who doesn’t as easily have access to such simple everyday pleasures.
Project Glimmer works with community partners to deliver these gifts and they’ve delivered over 135,000 gifts nationwide to date. They’re also a 501c3 organization, so there are no questions about your contributions going to work in a real non-profit. Here are a couple of ways you can get involved in giving this holiday season.
Donate Makeup
Believe it or not, I’ve been looking for an organization like Project Glimmer for years. I have so much unopened and unused makeup sitting around that could be put to better use. These items could mean the whole world to someone else who isn’t as fortunate.
Donate Jewelry
Project Glimmer also accepts gently used costume jewelry donations. I know we all have a ton of old statement necklaces and chandelier earrings just sitting around unused. Take 10 minutes this weekend combing through your collection to see what you can part ways with.
Donate Money
Always a great option and 100% of your donation will go to good use. You can donate any time of year and donations are tax deductible, of course. Can’t contribute cash? You can also donate gift cards valued at $20 or more.
Volunteer
For my local readers, you can join me and a few other bloggers at a Boxing Joy event this holiday season. You can register for your desired shift on Eventbrite and show up the day-of ready to sort, clean, and wrap gifts. If you live outside the area, you can host a Glimmer Drive to collect donations in your community. It works the same as a holiday toy drive and you can ship the box to Project Glimmer when you’re done.
I’m hoping I can make giving back my new holiday tradition. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to get a few more gift ideas before you go. Thanks for reading!
These are such great ideas. I never thought to donate makeup, but I definitely will be this year. I have drawers full of unused products that I’m sure someone would love! Thanks for sharing 🙂
So excited to give all this makeup a better home and feel good about doing so. Thanks for reading!
Such a fab event! So glad I could sit with you!
-Kat
Such an inspiring event!
This is such a great event! I love that you learned where you can donate stuff! I need to look at the Project Gilmmer cause I always have a lot of unused makeup that sitting around! Thanks for sharing!
~Crissy
http://www.whimsicalfawn.com
Thanks Crissy! The makeup donations will seriously make the recipients’ day!
This is a perfect post for this time of the year! I would never think about donating makeup, but that sounds like a great donation item now that I think of it!
I had been looking for a non-profit like this for years and now I want to tell everyone! Definitely making this a tradition among my family and friends.
YES! THANK YOU for this post! I have a ton of makeup from subscription boxes lying around the house, and I feel so guilty knowing that I will probably never get around to using it. I’ve been meaning to donate it for months now, and this seems like the best time to share a little and let that stuff go. Checking out the site now, thank you!
This is exactly why I wrote the post! Thank you for reading and for your generosity!
I had no idea you could donate makeup! I have a 50+ pound box of new, unopened makeup from subscription boxes, gifts and samples that are essentially going to waste in my office closet!
Wow, I believe it because the products seriously add up! Getting rid of the clutter via a donation will make you feel so good.