So Much More Than a Gift: Part 1 of 4

With Christmas season almost upon us (I know, let's celebrate Thanksgiving first), my thoughts have been wandering to what gifts to give this year. To anyone who knows me, you know that I LOVE to give gifts. I can't help it...from "little happies" to birthdays, to Christmas.

Lately, as I have been scrolling the my News Feed on Facebook or checking out blogs that I follow, I've noticed that there are a lot of neat little companies that go beyond just providing products. These companies desire to use their goods to help others, employee others, and love others.

Today, as I was sitting at my desk, it clicked for me...Why not take advantage of and help out these awesome companies, while getting some great gifts?! So, I've decided to challenge myself this Christmas, and maybe you all could join me, to try to buy as many of my Christmas presents from companies that give back or are local. There have been a few that have made it on my radar, and I'd like to share them with you in my next few posts. I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I have! First up is...

"Fashioning Better Lives"

JOYN was founded in 2010 by Mel Murray (whom I have the pleasure of knowing), after she and her family felt God's calling to move to India. They didn't want to give a hand out, but a hand out, and realized that the artisans in Rajpur, where they live, could make beautiful textiles, but lacked markets and jobs.

 The Murray's saw that the need was so much greater than just needing a job. At the heart of JOYN lies a desire to see lives changed. To see those crippled by poverty and hardship dance for joy. To do this, JOYN has partnered with a nonprofit to provide employees with not only steady jobs and a good work environment, but a daily meal plan, education for their children, English and vocational training, and medical care. Lives are changing as a result.

I could go on and on about this company and the Murray family, but I'll let some of the JOYN products do the rest of the talking. To find out more about JOYN, visit their website HERE. They have also partnered with TOMS Marketplace as one of about 30 merchants who are giving people "A Different Way to Shop". Check that out HERE. Oh, and did I mention her husband, Dave, started an amazing guitar making company there too?! Check out the Dehradun Guitar Company HERE.

Happy shopping!