Generous or Not: Timberland

About Generous or Not

Many companies promise to make a charitable donation with each purchase. But how much do they give?, Are they really doing good, or are these just cynical ploys to capture our money? How do you know if the companies are GenerousOrNot? That’s what we’re here for.

If companies want to promise that our purchases will do good in the world, we think they should say exactly what they’ll do. What percent of sales, what percent of profits, or what amount per purchase? We did the research. Read on to find the info you need. If you know of other offers for us to list, please email us at submit@GenerousOrNot.org

Of course, when you buy merchandise from a company that donates some small percentage to a nonprofit, well, only that small percentage of your money is helping make the world a better place.

Further, many of our friends have enough fruitcakes, picture frames and pen & pencil sets. They just don't want more stuff, even if some portion does go to charity. A better way to honor them and to do a lot more good might be to make a donation in their name.

A new website, www.ChangingThePresent.org, makes it easy and meaningful. You can choose not just what nonprofit to support, but exactly what you want to accomplish, e.g., an hour of a cancer researcher’s time, books for children, drugs for AIDS patients, shelter for the homeless, computers for schools, polio vaccines, meals for the homebound elderly, acres of the rainforest, etc. Wish lists, registries and personalized printed greeting cards make it even better and easier.

Imagine what we could accomplish if we could capture for nonprofits even a little bit of the $250 billion that Americans spend each year on birthday, wedding, and holiday gifts.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Timberland

Timberland's commitment to justice and children is realized through our relationship with Share Our Strength, one of the nation's leading anti-hunger, anti-poverty organizations. Through creative partnerships with chefs, restaurateurs, writers and corporations, Share Our Strength brings together a diverse network to end hunger and poverty. Book sales, bake sales, taste events and co-branded products engage consumers in Share Our Strength's mission as partners in the fight against hunger.

Timberland and Share Our Strength have been partners since 1996. Together, we've developed creative programs - such as the Timberland® Crib Bootie line - to donate a portion of proceeds to SOS and highlight the issue of childhood hunger. In 2001, SOS founder Bill Shore joined Timberland's Board of Directors. In 2003, Timberland CEO Jeff Swartz joined SOS Board of Directors.

Company explanation: www.timberland.com

Donation: 50 cents per pair on select shoes, 5 – 20% per sale on organic t-shirt

Nonprofit beneficiary: Share Our Strength

Use of funds: Support the fight against hunger.

When: Ongoing

About Generous or Not

Monday, November 13, 2006

Timberland

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