philanthropy post :: Help Boston

I don't have much of a connection to the city of Boston. I went there one time and loved it. But that's about it. Even still, as I read the horrific accounts of what had happened, I couldn't help but tearing up. As a runner myself, I can only imagine the elation of crossing the finish line in one of the premier races of your life to come face to face with one of the most horrific. But even more than that, I'm a human being. I can connect with those hurting on this level too. People are dead and lives are forever changed. It's horrific, devastating.

We've all seen or heard the accounts of runners, after completing one of the most difficult races, still plowing ahead to give aid where they can. Firefighters, police men, regular Joe citizens ran into chaos to bring order. I'm grateful for people like that and I hope that I would have done just the same.

In honor of those in Boston, I've dedicated this philanthropy post to how we, even those far away, can help others in Boston. The smoke is still clearing in the wake of the devastation and more businesses are hopping on board to help, but here is a short list of businesses donating proceeds to the One Fund or the Boston Red Cross.

Of course, be careful of scammers taking advantage of this disaster and people's charity. Read the BBB's Tips on Avoiding Charity Scams.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="682"] Image courtesy of Ball & Buck[/caption]

First up, Boston-based Ball & Buck will be donating a percentage of their online and store sales on Monday, April 22. They have an assortment of really cool stuff for "the sporting gentlemen."

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1130"] Image courtesy of Hold On Another Day website[/caption]

This unique group of musicians are putting together a compilation CD with proceeds to help the Boston victims. Their mission: "Our hope is to give hope to others - to give people a reason to Hold On Another Day."

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="283"] Image courtesy of Ink to the People[/caption]

Here's the first of many T-shirt designs benefiting those in Boston from Ink to the People. All proceeds from this shirt purchase will benefit the One Fund.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="607"] Image courtesy of Erica Sara Designs[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image courtesy of Erica Sara Designs[/caption]

Erica Sara Designs is offering 100% proceeds from both of these necklaces until the end of April. They are even holding a giveaway for people who donate to any charity of their choice. You can find more details on her blog.

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="379"] Image courtesy of Old Try[/caption]

My friend Ginger from Let's Give Today informed me of this beautiful print from Old Try. Again, all proceeds will benefit Boston. The print is based on the first flag of New England.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="294"] Image courtesy of Rue La La[/caption]

I found this T-shirt from Frugal Coupon Living that's from Rue La La. You have to sign up for Rue La La, but it's at no cost to you. You just get put onto their email list, which you can unsubscribe to at any time.

[caption id="attachment_1588" align="aligncenter" width="312"] Image courtesy of ChowdaHeadz.com[/caption]

ChowdaHeadz.com is donating 20% of all proceeds to the One Fund. They have a huge assortment of Boston-related items.

[caption id="attachment_1590" align="aligncenter" width="412"] Image courtesy of Kess In House[/caption]

Kess In House will be donating 100% of proceeds from this Boston print all this week. It comes in both a throw pillow (as shown here) and as a shower curtain.

 

[caption id="attachment_1591" align="aligncenter" width="439"] Image courtesy of Packer Shoes[/caption]

Need new shoes? Now's the time to buy some quality New Balances for a cause! Packer Shoes will donate 100% of the proceeds on the NB 990 and NB 890 shoes from April 18-22.

[caption id="attachment_1592" align="aligncenter" width="317"] Image courtesy of Greta Bean[/caption]

The cute design company Greta Bean will be offering 100% of proceeds towards the One Fund for the letter "B" charm.

Hope this helps you as you search for ways to help the Boston victims. Of course, you can always donate directly to the One Fund or the Red Cross in Boston.

Have you heard of other businesses using their products to help others? Tell us in the comments! We want to hear!