MANHATTAN — Stores in Manhattan and online are offering post-Black Friday and Cyber Monday guilt-free deals this season — holiday gift shopping that doubles as a donation to charities, ranging from food pantries to the World Wildlife Fund.
This Fri., Dec. 2, the New York City-based thrift store Housing Works will hold its Best of Holiday sale, where all 12 locations will offer deep discounts on holiday party outfits, fashion apparel, art and furniture.
All proceeds from the sale will go to the Housing Works organization, a nonprofit that benefits people living with or affected by AIDS. Every year the company helps feed the hungry or provide health care as part of their services.
"Nothing is more symbolic of the holiday spirit than giving a gift that really gives back," said David Raper, vice president of retail for Housing Works Thrift Shops. "When you choose to shop our stores you positively impact a community of men, women and children living right here in New York City that are affected by homelessness and AIDS."
Of Housing Work's dozen thrift shops, 10 are located in Manhattan, including on the Upper East and West Sides, Chelsea and TriBeCa.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop, located in New York on Fifth Avenue and 46th Street, offers another feel-good deal with the purchase of a plush stuffed bear. Their "donation animals" range from a cozy brown "Read Teddy" for $18 to the WWF Fennec Fox, priced at $25.
For every bear or cuddly animal purchased, $1 goes to the World Wildlife Fund to protect endangered animals and their habitats.
There are also plenty more charitable deals online.
JustGive.org offers the GiveNow gift card, a "green gift" that allows recipients to donate to the charity of their choice. Their website supports 1.8 million charities relating to the arts, global aid, animals, LGBT rights, the military and more.
For New Yorkers concerned about causes in the city, JustGive.org also has a "Giving Locally" page that allows donors to search for charities based on zip code.
Another charitable website that offers holiday gifts is "Made for Good," a network of brands that bases its products on charitable giving by partnering with nonprofit organizations.
Made for Good's latest brand, Given, donates proceeds to World Vision — a humanitarian organization that provides assistance to children and their families worldwide. Given offers organic cotton tops and other clothing items, with prices ranging from $24 for a shirt to $40 for a sweatshirt.
Other Made for Good brands that donate to charities worldwide include Jedidiah, a clothing line that blends fashion with social causes. MusiCares creates a "safety net" for musicians in need, and the United Artist Network pairs artists with nonprofit organizations from various communities.
Many sites that link to charities, including Build-a-Bear and JustGive.org, began marketing their holiday promotions in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals this year.
According to the National Retail Federation, sales and free shipping should help boost online sales for retailers across the board, throughout the holiday season.
“There’s no question consumers are eager to hit the Web this holiday season, and online retailers are prepping by optimizing their sites, beginning their marketing and promotions early, and planning plenty of free shipping promotions as they aim to provide value and convenience for their shoppers,” said the NRF's Shop.org head of research Fiona Swerdlow.
