Things have really started to get festive here at the Milwaukee Magazine office. In addition to holiday decorations and general merriment, we’ve also been feeling pretty generous. We even did a Style piece on “Gifts That Give Back” in our December issue. And it seems we’re not the only ones getting in the holiday spirit…
As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, an anonymous benefactor gave 500 students from the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District a holiday shopping trip. The children were given up to $50 each to spend at Target on gifts for themselves or for others. The benefactor, reportedly a West Allis-West Milwaukee alum, has been providing this opportunity to children since the mid-’90s. After reading such a feel-good piece, I found myself wondering if local stores were also getting in the holiday spirit. Even with the economy still putt-putting along, it seems the answer is yes.
On the department store side of things, Kohl’s continues to implement its “Kohl’s Cares” program this holiday season with “Share the Love.” Children’s author Nancy Tillman’s books The Spirit of Christmas and Wherever You Are were paired with plush animals as part of this year’s promotion. At $5 a piece, the book/plush combo is an inexpensive way to give a gift and give back this holiday season – with 100 percent of proceeds going toward local children’s health and education programs. Also available is the Have Yourself a Merry Little Country Christmas CD, featuring famous country artists.
Here’s a sampling of other stores getting in the holiday spirit this season:
1) Board Game Barrister – (Bayshore Town Center)
– Through Dec. 16, receive 25 percent off any item for donation to the Toys For Tots bin.
2) Christopher & Banks – (Brookfield Square)
– Through Dec. 14, bring in any non-perishable food item and get 10 percent off your entire order.
3) Coldwater Creek – (Bayshore Town Center)
–Dec. 17, receive 10 percent off your entire purchase with the donation of a non-perishable food item. Benefits Food For Families.
4) Forever 21 – (Bayshore Town Center and Mayfair Mall)
– As part of its “Give to Love, Love to Give” campaign, Forever 21 will donate $1 of every Starlight Ornament purchase to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
5) New York & Company – (Bayshore Town Center, Mayfair Mall and Southridge Mall)
– Partners since 2008, NY&C is once again providing valuable funding to St. Jude Children’s Research Center. The store recently completed its Facebook campaign, which donated $500,000 ($1 per “Like”) to the center. Shoppers can still donate in store.
6) Viktor Viktoria – (Mayfair Mall)
– Through Dec. 24, enjoy 30 percent off the wrap and cuff Humanity Bracelets. 20 percent of proceeds are donated to charity through Good Works/Humanity.
Have you seen other stores giving back this season? Report them in the comments!
