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Socially Aware Shopping
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Ten Thousand Villages is one of the largest fair trade organizations in North America. Working with more than 100 artisan groups, Ten Thousand Villages purchases fine pieces from craftspeople with whom it has longstanding, nurturing relationships, helping to bring dignity to their lives. At the store you'll find everything from folk art and home décor, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry and musical instruments.
On this particular trip, I wondered if I should buy things for myself. An embroidered tree of life wall hanging? A cat coin bank? A picture frame? A candle? No, not this time. There were a lot of things I wanted, but I decided that this trip wasn't for me. Instead, I would use this trip to purchase Christmas presents for friends and family. I selected items I thought would hold specific meaning for the folks on my list. I'd tell you what they are, but some of those people read the articles on CoolPeopleCare. So, you'll just have to peruse the site for yourself and guess what wonders I might have brought home! I can't remember her exact phrasing, but Heather aptly described Ten Thousand Villages as something along the lines of Pier1 with a social conscious. The stuff they have is colorful and creative and amazing. It's pretty easy to find something for everyone. But more than their fabulous goods, Ten Thousand Villages is a fabulous organization. When you buy from their store, you have the satisfaction of knowing that the people who crafted the items are getting paid a fair wage for their work. If you happen to live in a town with a brick and mortar store, head on over. You can volunteer to work in the store. And, you can even shop online! It's Christmastime, and they've got lots of decorations, garlands and streamers, nativity sets, ornaments, and tree toppers. Pay them a real or virtual visit and help someone make a living and improve their life.
CommentsChelsea commented, on July 24, 2007 at 4:35 p.m.: Ten Thousand Villages is addictive. It is chock full of beautiful and unique items. I also went to the Nashville location. The store is small but you will still spend a ton of time examining each lovely work of art. A lot of the items have the artists name on it and a description of where the item came from and who gets the money when you buy it. Definitely worth stopping by. Post a commentYou must be a registered user to post comments. |
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Janice commented, on December 18, 2006 at 9:30 a.m.:
My first visit to the Nashville location was two weeks ago and I'm hooked! My friend and co-worker, who is also a volunteer at the store, is the person who introduced me to Ten Thousand Villages as I had never heard of the organization before. I loved the place so much I bought a some Christmas decorations for home, got my Secret Santa gift there and even brought my husband there to shop for my Christmas present. It's all about people helping other people and gifts that keep giving...a blessed holiday to all.