“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” – Mother Teresa… This is a really great way to look at things. There are huge problems in the world – hunger, poverty, sickness and disease, lack of access to things like basic medical care, education, and clean water. Things that we totally take for granted here in the US. But most people feel like these issues are too big, too far away, too vast to do anything about. And it’s true – you can’t solve world hunger, bring about world peace, or cure all of the sick kids across the globe. But you can use the resources you have, no matter how big or small, to make a difference in someone’s life. Sure, you can’t fix it all – but to that one person that benefits from your generosity, what you do DOES matter.

“You may be only one person in this world, but to one person at one time, you are the world.” – Anonymous

One very simple way to help – that’s extra relevant during this season of shopping and gift giving! – is to direct your spending to places that use those proceeds to give back, help out, and do great things. A site that I’m especially excited about is 1000 Shillings. Why? Read more…

• Empower: This isn’t a site that gives hand outs. That doesn’t solve the root problems of poverty, and can make the recipient feel  powerless. Nope, this is a campaign that EMPOWERS women! It gives them the opportunity to use the skills they have to create a product that can be marketed and sold, to bring their families out of poverty. A hand up, not a hand out.
• Voice: When you’re struggling, what’s the most important thing to you? Being heard. Knowing that someone hears you, and cares what you’re going through. That’s why 1000 Shillings gives the artisans a voice, telling their story on the site, so you can get to know the women you’re supporting.
• Educate: They don’t stop at simply making and selling their handmade pieces. The women are partnered with mentors – they help them build a sustainable business plan, or reach a goal like paying for school or purchasing land, using the seed capital from the products they create. This helps create more opportunity for everyone around them too.

Want to show your support?

Visit 1000 Shillings online, and check out all of the beautiful handcrafted, one-of-a-kind artwork available to purchase. Then share some love on their social media pages – “Like” them on Facebook, and share the page with your friends. Follow them on Twitter and tweet them a message of support! Connect with them on Pinterest and pin some of their gorgeous products. And visit them on YouTube, and subscribe to their channel for new updates. {I was the very first subscriber there – woo hoo!}

Together we can change the world, one good deed at a time.

For more ideas on doing good and giving back, visit Mom Bloggers for Social Good – which is who connected me to this great site, and follow my Giving Back board on Pinterest.