Because International has many generous supporters, and many of them use the holidays as a time to give friends and family the gift of donating to The Shoe That Grows in their honor.

“My husband and I donate throughout the year, but for Christmas we started a new tradition several years ago. As we have gotten older and find we pretty much have everything we need, we felt it was silly to buy each other gifts just for the sake of giving a gift. We decided we would each give to charities and organizations of our choice instead of giving gifts to each other,” said Susan Willcoxon of Rockville, Maryland. “I find this so much more fulfilling and it makes me happier to help someone in need than to receive something I don't really need.”

Billie and Bob Gehres of Spokane, Washington, also enjoy supporting nonprofits during the holidays by gifting in the name of family members in lieu of physical gifts. “We live away from many of the family members that we want to share the season with, so giving to charities in their names is both convenient and a huge blessing to them AND those who will be helped by the gifts.”

Both families have chosen Because International as a part of their Christmas giving tradition this year. Susan said, “I researched some online and found [Because] to be a great organization with a unique way of helping people all over the world that truly needed just the basics, like shoes, to help make their lives better. Reading the stories about the children in the various countries really touched my heart and I wanted to help bring these innovative shoes to others.”

Billie said, “I just love the idea of kids getting something so essential as shoes when they don’t have access to them otherwise, especially when all the kids in my life are already blessed with all they need. After giving through other organizations in the past, we decided this is the organization we want to support. They meet such basic health needs … and everyone knows I love shoes, so what could be a better gift?!”

GIFTING THE SOLE THIS CHRISTMAS

As you consider the holidays and what you want to gift those around you, we hope you will look at Because International. A great option is purchasing a membership to The Sole, our monthly giving program, in someone else’s name. For just $20 a month, you can give your loved one the knowledge of providing 12 children a year with a pair of The Shoe That Grows. It’s a gift that keeps giving!

Susan shares, “Research [Because] like I did and you will see the work they do and that your money will go a long way. Also, I have never had an organization be as grateful as they are to receive a donation. Donating to Because International and The Shoe That Grows will put a smile on your face and heart knowing you have helped someone have a better life under very difficult circumstances.”

We sincerely hope that the recipients of these unique Christmas gifts will smile as well, knowing the donations in their names will have a lasting impact for children around the globe for many holidays to come.

Make Because International part of your holiday giving tradition this year!