Donations?

[Elnefant]

I was just talking to my mom about some of the skin care samples I just purchased and she mentioned how great they would be to donate to a women's shelter, especially at this time of year... that got me to thinking about whether there was any way to coordinate a "mass effort" to do this... I don't know if there's any larger organizations that would be able to disseminate the products, or if we'd have to operate on a more local level, but I just thought it would be so great for some women to be given a reason to smile and to be able to enjoy make-up and skincare products that were also good for them.

Does anyone have any ideas of how this could be done?

[Cupcake]

I love the sentiment and compassion behind the idea, but it might be logistically impractical unless anyone at SN have existing charitable connections. Gifting can be such a personal thing and also a powerful thing too. There's someone - everyone knows someone: a single mum who's doing her best but can barely afford presents for the kids this year so you just know she'll have nothing pretty for herself; that sad stranger you see on your way to work every day and they just need some total stranger to walk up to them and say "hey, I just wanted to gift you this and make you smile". There's plenty of someones out there who need us - individually - and it's a tremendous ice-breaker when that someone might be a little lonely, shy or you just know them in an awkward way that's not easy to chat. How about saving up our "free with $30 spend" eyeshadows, or throw in an extra purchase for those who can afford it, and simply gift that to the person you know who needs blessing. Women getting help in shelters and through formal organisations, yes of course they would be wonderful to bless, but what I mean is you don't necessarily have to look for so formal a situation - there is need all around, and looking afresh at the people around whom we might not notice every day can be a real eye opener, and every bit as much in need of that ice-breaking smile or outreached gesture.

And that doesn't have to be a one-off thing, and it doesn't just have to be Christmas. You never need a festive excuse to reach out to someone with some unconditional love just purely to bless them with nothing expected in return. It's kinda fun, I warn you now you end up looking for people to bless and help because it feels so good.

[Elnefant]

Oh, I totally understand I probably put that badly - I was figuring it might me well-nigh impossible to coordinate something through the site, especially considering how much donation requirements vary from place to place, but I did want to throw the idea out there lest it inspire someone else (or several someone elses) to find someplace to share the SN joy in some new way

[Cupcake]

No, I think it's a lovely idea and very well worth bringing up. I hope that something can be done. Maybe for Valentines, we could do a "show some love" and have time to organise a voluntary donation to a shelter or something? Maybe SN could add a cart option that you add say $amount or "eyeshadow" or whatever to your cart so that item gets bought by us individually but back at SN, they don't post them to us but put them aside and collect them up and at the right time, take them in a package to the shelter?

[zeebs]

I donated a bunch of stuff to a local shelter. Just call them up and ask - it's usually very easy to drop off products. You might consider coordinating with the ladies at work, school, or in your neighborhood?

[Rhys]

I've done that before, too, Zeebs, as well as doing individual gifts. Loved the little brushes set that used to be here cos most women who'd like makeup can't afford brushes either, but Coastal Scents have a 'use and throw away' kabuki for like 70 cents US each - and while they aren't greatest quality they really aren't half-bad - you could easily make do with one for some months instead of just pitching it after doing one makeover - I've had a couple for a couple years now - don't use them a lot but they work. Throw in a few sponge eyeshadow applicators, and whatever else is useful, and it's a neat little package.

[karen]

You all are so sweet! We've done it quite a bit too. Remember the perfume line? There were some women at the local shelter who were happy to have them. I usually grab a bag of diapers to deliver with them....shelters always need diapers. Oh, and luggage, backpacks, duffle bags. People tend to move from shelter to shelter, and bags help. Toys, and children's books are very welcome too.

The other thing I was thinking of doing is Soldier's Angels. They distribute care packages to the troops, and people in VA hospitals. There are a lot of women in uniform who could do with a little creature comfort. This time of year gets a little wild around the shop so I normally give cash because organizations like that also need things like postage, phone cards, and just regular office expenses to make sure the troops get what people donate. I'm thinking that it would be cool to send them some balms for Valentine's Day.