If this last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of supporting our community and banding together to combat injustices being faced on a local and global scale. We’ve continued as a company to identify organizations that are standing up for equality, against injustice, and fighting for unity and we’re excited to bring awareness to non-profits and organizations that actively change the lives of people, communities, and animals around the world.
ACLU
Who are they? The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Their mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees. The ACLU provides support and educational information on the most pressing civil liberties issues of our time such as immigration, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, racial justice and so many more.
Why did we donate? “I donated during the height of the BLM movement in support of the protesters, many of whom were being pepper-sprayed, gassed, and arrested for peaceful demonstrations against the racial injustices against the black community—folks like George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Elijah McClain, and countless others.” – Michael Gauthier, Creative Director
How can you help? You can donate to the ACLU through a one-time or monthly donation by visiting their website.
American Red Cross of Hawaii
Who are they? The American Red Cross in Hawaii works to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors through disaster relief and providing lifesaving education to those at risk.
Why did we donate? “I chose American Red Cross for Hawaii because my hometown and many other locations across the state experienced sudden flooding that displaced many people. Some still do not have a home to go back to yet.” – Alex LaClergue, Client Manager
How can you help? The American Red Cross of Hawaii offers several ways to donate as well as a number of volunteer opportunities and other non-monetary ways to contribute. All can be found here.
Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund
Who are they? The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a New York-based national organization founded in 1974, protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. AALDEF focuses on critical issues affecting Asian Americans, including immigrant rights, voting rights and democracy, economic justice for workers, educational equity, housing, and environmental justice, and the elimination of anti-Asian violence, police misconduct, and human trafficking.
How can you help? The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund has several opportunities where members of the community can take action against Asian American discrimination and injustices.
Charity: water
Who are they? Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Since 2006, they’ve provided funding to 78,350 water projects across 29 countries.
Why did we donate? “charity: water helps to bring clean and safe water to every person on the planet, which is just absolutely essential. They are also one of the only charities where 100% of your donation goes to their mission, and they instead rely on donors and fundraising to keep up with business costs.” – LeeAnna Diehl, Senior Designer
How can you help? You can make a one-time or monthly donation to charity: water by visiting their website.
Christina Grimmie Foundation
Who are they? The Christina Grimmie Foundation works to support the families of gun violence victims so that they can focus on rebuilding their lives after the loss of a loved one and is founded on the memory of the late musician, Christina Grimmie. They strive to honor the victims by supporting their families through tangible services and by providing a support system.
How can you help? You can donate to the Christina Grimmie Foundation through their Kindful link.
Feeding San Diego
Who are they? Feeding San Diego is on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County and is part of the national organization, Feeding America
Why did we donate? “I chose to donate to Feeding San Diego because it seemed fitting to donate what used to be our lunch money to help with food insecurity in our community. I also used to volunteer at the food bank in high school and have seen the need first-hand.” – Zoe Horner, Client Manager
How can you help? There are many ways to help Feeding San Diego. Visit their Get Involved page to find an option that works for you.
Mountain Shadows
Who are they? Mountain Shadows is a living community and support system in San Diego that provides a family-like living environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and encourages the development of skills needed to maintain and live an independent lifestyle.
How can you help? You can donate to Mountain Shadows through their Paypal donation page.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Who are they? The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need.
Why did we donate? “Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society helps military families and I chose it specifically because they had programs around taking care of a new baby which was helpful while I was becoming a first-time mom living on the East coast during a pandemic with no friends or family due to being a milspouse.” – Christie Elizondo, Senior Marketing Ops Manager
How can you help? You can make a charitable donation to the NMCRS by visiting their website.
Oceana
Who are they? Oceana is committed to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale by combatting overfishing, pollution, and unethical fishing practices.
How can you help? Oceana has several opportunities where members of the community can help in the conservation and restoration of our oceans.
PATH
Who are they? The mission of PATH, or People Assisting The Homeless, is to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities. PATH envisions a world where every person has a home.
Why did we donate? “I think many people wonder how they can help the people of their community who aren’t as seen. You help the ones you can, but ultimately you want to make a bigger impact. I came across PATH, or People Assisting The Homeless, and they work in the San Diego area to help your donations go to those people in a more meaningful way: helping people find permanent housing, medical and mental healthcare, employment training, and other services for the homeless people in our communities.” Shannon Bailey, Client Manager
How can you help? You can make a donation to PATH by visiting their Network for Good donation page.
Together Rising
Who are they? Together Rising transforms collective heartbreak into effective action. Through grants and sponsorships, Together Rising is able to support families and individuals in a variety of difficult life situations such as family separation, children in the foster system, financial hardship, and more.
Why did we donate? – “I first learned of Together Rising from one of my favorite author’s Glennon Doyle. Glennon is an activist, speaker, and thought leader who founded Together Rising as an expression of her belief that the surest way to lift a family or community is to lift one woman at a time — that when a woman rises, she brings her people up with her.” – Bre Arnost, Graphic Designer
How can you help? You can make a donation to Together Rising by visiting the Give page on their website.
Be the Change
It’s so inspiring to see the good these organizations are doing all around the world to help improve the lives of those in need. We highly recommend checking out the above organizations and if you are able, making a contribution to the ones who have a mission that resonates with you.