Give Twice: Michelle Roy - Apolis Activism - (FTBC)

Designer Michelle Roy has created two gifts that give back--one is the Angel Wings collection of shirts, $76. with a portion of proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food, which delivers free and nutritious meals to men, women, and children suffering from HIV/AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. The other is the Breast Cancer Bow collection, $72. with 20% of proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Over at h(y)r collective magazine check out their coverage of the latest tote bag by Apolis Activism who has teamed up with the Invisible Children’s cotton initiative. Set for release spring 2010.

Be sure to visit Saks 5th Ave this year for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer's latest collection including their classic blue bull's eye tee shirts designed by Ralph Lauren and other pieces including a handbag and charm bracelet designed by Stephen Dweck, Diane von Furstenberg, Lisa Jenks, and Betsey Johnson. Speaking of this collection if you head over to W Hotel's site (or mini stores) you'll find a Fashion Targets Breast Cancer necklace for $8.99, down from the original $60. price tag. Sadly I guess not much will go back to the cause but old stock does need to be moved and it's nice to show your support.

Once again Payless shoe stores have created a bracelet to bring both funds and awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), for only $2. proceeds will go to benefit Susan G. Kormen for the Cure.

Archipelago has created the Ribbons of Love Candle, $17.50 with a portion of proceeds being donated to The City of Hope. Also look for their Ribbons of Hope candles and home fragrance also benefiting breast cancer causes.

Editor note- many charitable organizations are reporting a drop in donations and funding yet an increase in need for their services. This of course should not come as any real surprise but a great way to try and counter this is to look into ways of combining your gift giving and giving back. Unfortunately, despite what some not-for-profits will tell you, one of the top gifts people did not appreciate receiving were donations made in their name, including those new charitable "gift cards". Unless someone specifically requests this you might want to steer clear. In order to make the gift more personal consider purchasing something a person could actually physically use or admire and have it give back. These types of gifts were well received. Be sure to look in our Give Twice section for tons of gift picks that give back to great causes and fit almost any budget.

Over the years many things, including giving, have become overly focused on monetary donations and lavish presents. As I wrote here, many are now starting to notice that giving comes in all forms and charity can also start at home or in your own community via your own two hands. Here are Gave That I really want to encourage tending and maintaining meaningful connections along with giving in all its forms... the aforementioned though, will always come first.

Image: Payless