Year's End Giving

Just a reminder that you have until tomorrow midnight (in the States) to give to charities for the 2012 tax year. There are many worthy organizations to choose from & that we have some favorites is no secret. There are more worthies in the right sidebar under Who, What, Where, Why, How to Help. There are acute crises & long-term challenges. Whatever you choose, it will surely make more of a difference than you probably know. xoxo

Some of our favorites (alphabetically):

FEED Projects

Heifer International

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)

Mitzvah Circle

 No Kid Hungry

Washington Animal Rescue League (in DC but helps animals everywhere)

Women's Centers International

(photograph by Beth Frueh)

FEED at Five

In honor of FEED's 5th anniversary, please welcome the FEED 5 Africa Bag!

As seen in Marie Claire magazine, this FEED 5 Africa Bag is handmade by artisans in Kenya. The outside of the bag is made from our traditional burlap material, along with the "FEED the Children of the World" logo from the first-ever FEED bag, the FEED 1 Bag. The bag is lined with traditional African kitenge fabric. Each FEED 5 Africa bag provides 5 children with micronutrient powder for 1 year through the FEED Foundation's Nutrients Fund. ~ FEED Projects website

This is a great bag for summer, especially. Visit the website for the complete line of products & a listing of retail partners.

FEED Peace, Love & Nature

It's a dismal, rainy, foggy day here. So we thought we'd cheer up with a post about FEED Projects. If you bought gifts for everyone but yourself during the holidays, check out FEED Project Peace, Love, & Nature bags.

The (white) Peace bag generates 25 meal donations to those in areas of high conflict or war. The (green) Nature bag, 25 meals to areas devastated by the effects of natural disasters. A purchase of the (red) love bag donates 25 meals to those who live in areas of high HIV/AIDS infection. All of these meals are provided by the World Food Programme.

ciao-peace-meow/GGCM

(photograph courtesy of FEED Projects)

Holiday Shop at FEED Projects

FEED Projects is a big favorite of ours. They've added many lovely products, including a holiday stocking (it's out-of-stock at the moment, but sign up for the re-stock notice), with a wide range of prices. You can even custom design a bag with your organization or company on one side & FEED Projects on the other. Visit the website & be inspired!

ciao-merry-meow/GGCM

(image courtesy of FEED Projects)

FEED Projects - Japan Bag

This bag would be good to take to farmer's* markets this spring & summer, don't you think? (There's a terrific Feed Japan t-shirt, too.)

From the good folks at FEED Projects:

Each FEED Japan bag sold will give $10 to the FEED Foundation’s FEED Japan Fund. The FEED Japan Fund will aid in the disaster relief efforts by supporting organizations on the ground and will target the programs and organizations that need our help the most. The need for support is great and ever-changing, as Japan continues to recover from this disaster.

This white cotton tote bag, sold exclusively on the FEED website, is made in the USA from 100% organic cotton. The brilliant red symbol proudly reflects the Japanese flag on the back, with the FEED Japan logo displayed on the front. The bag reaches 12" high by 19" wide, and the handles are 12" from the top of the straps to the top of the bag.

Other worthy Japan-related fundraising.

ciao-meow/GG's editor

*GG Central employs apostrophes on "farmer's market". The End.

(images via FEED Projects)

12 Days, 12 Ways to Feed - FEED Projects

FEED Projects is one of GG Central's very favorite organizations. Check in to see how you can help. GG still loves a good drag around the floor in our Feed Project Bag. We hope this year to adopt a bear. How about you? (GG collage/FEED Project website images)

Happy first day of December!

ciao-meow/GG's personal shopper

FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag

FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag to benefit UNICEF

It's never too soon to think about Hallowe'en. Giulia is dressing up as a FEED Bag this year. OK, kidding. But she'll be taking a turn in the neighborhood in one. Treat yourself to your very own Trick-or-Treat bag & help UNICEF. (photograph via FEED Projects Facebook page)

For 60 years, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has helped children in need worldwide. UNICEF works in over 150 countries to reduce child mortality through health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

HSN honors Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s 60th anniversary with the FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag, created by FEED Projects. A portion* of every HSN-exclusive bag purchased will help UNICEF provide one child in the developing world with an entire year's worth of vital micro-nutrient supplements.

So leave the pillowcases at home and help kids while collecting goodies with the FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag to benefit UNICEF.

ciao-meow/GG Hallowe'en Central

FEED Projects - Week's End

One of our most favorite gifts, ever, was the FEED bag last year. GG still hops in for a twirl around the house..so it doubles as a cat toy. The little bear is sold out (until March 2010), but the big guy (who goes by 'Plumpy') is still available. See here for all you need to know about FEED Projects & the variety of rucksacks, bags, pouches, & bears. Happy weekend!

ciao-frosty-meow/GG Holiday Central

[GG collage/images via FEED Projects]

Putting on the Feed Bag

We received one for Christmas & love it. When you see one at Whole Foods or elsewhere, consider picking one up. (You can also order them here.) Very sturdy, attractive, & of course it helps the World Food Programme. The brainchild of Lauren Bush who co-founded Feedprojects.org.

GG took a twirl in the bag last Sunday & if she would just stay in the darn thing, we'd take her all over town in it. Holds a lot of groceries, the Sunday newspapers, & one 10.5 lb cat. Excellent!

xoxo & merry meow,
GG's editor