If you’re looking to do a little extra this year, consider a gift that gives back.
I don’t have to tell you that this year has been tough on everyone, so when we get the chance to share and give back, we try to do it.
Below are just a few ways that you can combine gift giving with projects that benefit others, like Joy To The Burg, PA Eats, and SB x Collabs that also provide donations to local nonprofit organizations.
Best Gifts that Give Back
Joy to the Burg
Joy To The Burg returns in a difficult year, as local artists rally to help the homeless.
Last year, proceeds from the sales of this special holiday-themed album helped open a new women’s winter walk-in shelter in downtown Harrisburg, which opened the week of Christmas.
This year, the shelter’s needs have increased due to Covid-19, and funds are vital to help the shelter expand space, staffing, and protocols.
Joy To The Burg is professionally-produced and includes 18 songs by a diverse array of styles — all by local artists.
In past years, Joy To The Burg has culminated as a live holiday concert. In lieu of that this year, abc27 will broadcast a 1-hour Joy To The Burg television special at 10 a.m. on Dec. 15 featuring participating artists and some interviews.
Download digitally or purchase a CD online. You also can find CD copies for sale at your local Karns Grocery Store and other retail locations.
Follow Joy To The Burg on Facebook and Instagram.
PA Eats
PA Eats is well-known for its mouth-watering food and drink content, but did you know it’s actually a nonprofit organization?
In addition to elevating PA food culture, PA Eats’ mission is to empower Pennsylvania’s food-insecure by creating useful content to help those in need.
Thanks to our (I’m a founding board member) partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, PA Eats created its Nourish PA series. The series features recipes and videos teaching clients how to cook with ingredients often found in food pantries.
There are a number of ways you can support PA Eats in their mission. If you are a Pennsylvania company interested in sponsoring, click here. If you are a local chef interested in sharing your talents, click here.
Earlier this year, PA Eats also launched its Friends of PA Eats membership program. This is a simple, affordable way to say “I care about PA food culture and feeding Pennsylvanians.”
In addition to recognition on our site and knowing you’ve helped someone, PA Eats is soon launching a Friends of PA Eats-only exclusive t-shirt club. It will feature limited release, original design, Pennsylvania food culture tees for you to collect or share with friends!
Click here to become a Friend fo PA Eats.
SB x Collabs
I recently launched a series called SB x Collabs, where I collaborate with a local artist or maker to create a limited edition item, where a portion of the proceeds benefit a local nonprofit.
The SB x KidsINC Apron was the first item, and the SB x EleePots Snack Bowl is the second.
A portion of the proceeds from apron sales go to Art Can Harrisburg, and a portion of proceeds from the snack bowl benefit PA Eats.
You can read more about the items here, and you can order directly by emailing me.
Want more great gift ideas?
Check out our entire #ShopLocal Gift Guide and our Black-Owned Business list.
