Thornton Wilder once said: "Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow." Through the Eyes Of Hope Project (TEOH) is this quote in action. This non-profit organization based in Rwanda, encourages Rwandan orphans to photograph the world through their eyes. They provide them with photography classes and encourage their creativity by exhibiting their work in different venues throughout the world. This December it's New York's turn. The exhibit is being held through the end of the year at Bourbon Coffee, a Rwandan owned coffee shop which has been dubbed the Rwandan Starbucks. The show features the children's newest work. What a great opportunity for New Yorkers to get involved. While you get your caffeine fix, help a child pay for school and get adequate food. All proceeds from the photos on display at Bourbon Coffee will benefit the TEOH Project. Since the project was started, over $5000 was raised to build a photo studio for the kids in Rwanda. This is more than a charity, it is a social enterprise that let's these children help themselves by empowering them through the art of photography. Postcards and photos can be purchased at the show. They will make the perfect gift for anyone on your list!
This Christmas help a young thing grow!
For more information on TEOH visit their website: TEOH
BOURBON COFFEE 43 W 14th Street New York City, NY - 10011 Phone: 212-675-5552 www.bourboncoffeeusa.com
Every child should have the right to a normal childhood. Unfortunately many children are deprived of it because of malicious individuals who kidnap, abuse and kill innocent children. Jeff Koons knows this reality only too well. His first son was abducted. In the wake of those events the world-renowned artist co-founded The Koons Family Institute on International Law & Policy in partnership with the International Center for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC). The work they've started has become crucial to insure the safety of children all around the world.
To support this cause Kiehls created a limited- edition Crème de Corps Holiday Collection featuring the iconic balloon flower artwork by Jeff Koons. This could make a great gift for any woman in your life. Even your hard to please aunt will love this rich crème the corps especially in the cold months ahead.
Become an advocate for Haiti, this country which was once called the Pearl of the Antilles by showing your better half how much you care. Give her the Heart of the Goddess Pendant by Heart of Haiti as a symbol of your love. This metal pendant was handcrafted by an Haitian artisan in La Croix des Bouquet, Haiti (see video). This gift will not only be special because it came from you but also because it will help an artist provide a better life for his family. This gift can be one of the many presents you will shower your sweetheart with.
Flying solo this Christmas? Heart of Haiti has an extensive collection of jewelry and home décor items that will be sure to please the other special people in your life.
Join St. Jude's efforts by selecting this Juicy Couture Key Fob for your favorite cousin perhaps. The key fob customized for St. Jude's hospital features the organization's endearing logo, a rose and disc charms. Having a sick child is extremely stressful and costly for parents. Help alleviate that stress by purchasing this piece for someone you love. You can also secretly gift one to yourself! We know you want to and it will help put a smile on a child's face. Now what could be a better Christmas present than that?
For more information on St. Jude's and their work visit their website: St Jude's
When we think about hunger countries like Somalia, India and Ethiopia come to mind. But hunger and malnutrition prey on everyone even Americans. FEED is a nonprofit organization that creates products that help feed the world. It was founded by Lauren Bush in 2006 and has provided over 66 million school meals to children all around the world, 46,000 nutrition supplements and has reached over 13,000 American children. And the numbers keep rising.
What FEED is doing is much more than feeding kids. They are allowing children to be children again. They are helping them focus in school, giving them the opportunity to work their way out of the poverty they were born in. They are restoring hope and investing in the betterment of the communities they serve.
WHY BUY PRODUCTS THAT FEED?
Each FEED Guatemala Bag will provide 15 school meals through the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The FEED Guatemala Bag is handmade in Guatemala by Nest, a nonprofit organization that empowers artist and artisans around the world, using traditional Ikat fabrics. This could be the perfect gift for your socially and fashionably conscious best girlfriend. It is environmentally friendly and will make a great carryall bag for strolling around on the weekends.
MORE COLORWAYS
For more gift ideas visit their website: FEED
*World Food Programme's Facts Blast; Nov. 2010. Taken from Feed website.
The TOMS Shoes movement started in 2006 and since then it has taken America by storm. Their concept: for every pair of shoes you purchase TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. We particularly love this pair of Cordones because it has a cool downtown feel and the soft blush shade is easy to wear with anything. You can sport them with jeans, skirts, dresses and shorts. If pink is not your thing the Cordones come in a slew of shades ranging from white to plaid. What more could you ask for? This One for One initiative is something you can truly feel good about. Check out this video for more One for One news from TOMS Shoes.
FEED 1000 clutch by Judith Leiber.
I love this Smashbox lipgloss set for many reasons. It caught my attention as soon as I walked passed the Sephora goodie boxes by the cash registers. All these sparkling colors which I know would look great on any complexion for only $29? Momentarily I thought I died and went to cosmetics heaven. Without thinking twice I picked up the last box and made my way to the cashier along with my other finds; 3 NARS eyeshadows and TARTE's gold jewelry box. Unberknownst to me at the time I was not only making an impulsive purchase, let's be honest, but I was also partnering with an organization which provides medical care, life-saving research and on-going education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. In fact, $1 of each purchase from the WISH collection up to $25, 000 will go towards granting wishes this holiday season. Contributing to the Children's Miracle Network didn't only look good but it felt really good.
What? Hearts for Haiti
What? Limited edition CamelBak Better Bottle, $18.99.
What? Jeff Koon's limited edition Creme de Corps, 16.9fl. oz, $45.00.
What? Night Out watch, $60.00.
What? Paperwhite Lidded Candle Pot, $29.00.
Feed for UNICEF, Trick-or-Treat tote, $13.20 at Cynthia Rowley ($3.50 from each bag will go to the UNICEF)
Blender, 129.99 online.
Flip Mino camcorder. $200 
Miss Vara poncho hobo by Salvatore Ferragamo. $1, 590 This is the perfect size bag for everyday strolling around town in style. We love the gathered detail and gold hardware. Tres fab!
Cotton tank top by Guess. $26
Tweed and patent leather clutch with acrylic stones by Marc Jacobs. $995 The marriage of textures found on this clutch brings added interest and dimension to any outfit. Perfect for brunch and dinner with the girls. 
