Shop With Purpose: These Brands Are Giving Back In A Big Way

As we and the world navigate our way through this unprecedented health crisis, the collective uncertainty that comes with each new day can be crippling. Everyone's life has been turned upside down, with any semblance of routine yanked from under us all while personal and professional priorities shift entirely. From the confined comfort of our homes, we applaud and celebrate the courage of the healthcare professionals and essential workers risking their lives on the frontlines, whether that be in a hospital or at the grocery store. So when staying home is the only thing that's being asked of the rest of us, you may be wondering: Is that really enough?

The answer is a big fat yes, because this simple but crucial task can and will save lives. So go ahead and work out your anxiety via a virtual exercise class or bake away your worries with a sourdough starter, and use FaceTime to check in on a loved one, as long as you're doing it in your own house. Any or all of the above is not just OK, it's encouraged. If you have the means, you may even want to engage in some responsible retail therapy to soothe the shopping-oriented soul, and for anyone who is able and willing to do that right now, please proceed — as long as you're sticking to the cyber stores for the time being. While many retailers have closed their physical doors in the best interest of their staff and customers, their online counterparts are very much up, running, and ready for you, and businesses need their customers now more than ever.

Some brands are even stepping up to the plate to take a swing at giving back during these challenging times, inviting those wanting to shop to do so mindfully. In addition to industry heavy-hitters like LVMH using its perfume factories to produce hand sanitizer and Prada donating six intensive care units to hospitals in Milan, other companies are doing their part by donating profits to COVID-19 relief efforts. By putting these brands on your radar, we hope to champion their missions while helping those can spend, make purchases with purpose over the coming weeks. From clothing to beauty buys to coffee orders and beyond, there are a variety of ways you can get the goods you desire while doing good by someone else. We've rounded up a bunch of great initiatives ahead to get you started. We've also included a slide of resources detailing how to help organizations and communities in need, for anyone wanting to make a direct contribution.

COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic. Go to the CDC website for the latest information on symptoms, prevention, and other resources.

Allbirds

The universally adored sustainable sneaker company is currently fulfilling $500,000 in shoes to healthcare workers and medical personnel on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. Plus, if you'd like to participate in thanking a healthcare professional, Allbirds will split the cost of donating an additional pair of Wool Runners next time you're buying a pair for yourself.

Allbirds Women's Wool Runners, $, available at Allbirds

Trade Coffee

In addition to donating $2 from every first coffee bag purchase to their roaster employee funds, Trade just launched a page to support local roasters and baristas inviting its customers to show their gratitude by leaving a tip for Trade's third-party roasters.

Dogwood Mixtape Coffee Roast, $, available at Trade

Everlane

One of our favorite sustainably-forward retailers already launched a series of promotions to make their products more accessible than ever before to its bevy of eco-friendly fans (and, let's be frank to keep the business running). But it doesn't stop at the sales — Everlane is donating all (yes, all) the profits from its 100% Human collection to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund.



Everlane The 100% Human Woman Box-Cut Tee in Small Print, $, available at Everlane

Casetify

Spoiler alert: your phone is basically a breeding ground for bacteria, and keeping it clean has never been so important. Casetify is here to help with its UV Sanitizer device which destroys 99.9% of germs that live on your phone's surface. Plus, a whopping 100% of the proceeds from this product are going straight to GlobalGiving's Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Casetify UV Sanitizer, $, available at Casetify

Olivela

Luxury retailer Olivela initially launched with the intention of supporting causes that matter, and now that core mission is attracting a crowd of consumers gravitating towards purchases with purpose. With millions of children affected by the closure of schools and subsequent loss of daily meals due to the coronavirus, Olivela has partnered with Save the Children and No Kid Hungry so that 20% of its purchases will now provide essential supplies like food and books to families in need.



Grown Alchemist Intensive Body Cream: Rosa Damascena, Açai 120ml, $, available at Olivela

Purple Carrot

With lots of home-cooked dinners in your future, now's the time to consider signing up for a convenient meal service like a plant-based subscription with Purple Carrot. The company is offering $20 off first-time orders and is also donating a percentage of all sales to Feeding America.

Purple Carrot 2 Serving Plan, 3 Dinners Per Week, $, available at Purple Carrot

Under Armour

The popular activewear company has pledged a $1M donation to Feeding America and an additional $1M donation to Good Sports to ensure youth sports leagues have the equipment and apparel they need. That's one company mission we're happy to support.

Under Armour UA Meridian Leggings, $, available at Under Armour

Hero Cosmetics

If your skin is acting up the longer you're holed up indoors (*raises hand*), you can address the problem while helping others at the same time. For this entire week, Hero Cosmetics will be donating 20% of its online sales to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, $, available at Hero Cosmetics

Staud

While 25% off sitewide using the code THANKYOU25 might just be reason enough to shop this cult-cool fashion brand, the fact that 10% of all purchases made with this code go straight to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels make the promotion all the more enticing.

Staud Shoko Sweater, $, available at Staud

Billie

With self-care taking center stage for many of us under quarantine, body brands like Billie have become increasingly relevant to our beauty routines. In addition to expanding its roster this week to include more essentials like dry shampoo and lip balm, the company is donating $100,000 to immediate COVID-19 relief efforts. That sum will go to local food banks working to serve the needs of people affected by the pandemic, including children who no longer have access to school lunches.


Billie Floof Dry Shampoo, $, available at Billie

FreshDirect

This online grocery destination has everything you need from essentials for stocking up to pre-cooked meals. The company has also partnered with NY Common Pantry by assisting with the packing and provision of meals for its less-fortunate neighbors and inviting its customers to add a donation to their orders.

Fresh Direct Sustainable Salmon With Olives and Rice, $, available at FreshDirect

Good American

You can enjoy this sitewide 30% off sale using the code SALE30 and slip into your new pair of jeans knowing a portion of that purchase benefitted Baby2Baby. The organization has now distributed over one million items to families in need including diapers, formula, hygiene, clothing, blankets and more.

Good American Good Curve Jeans, $, available at Good American

Theragun

Theragun's percussive therapy devices are here to benefit your body and your soul. The company is offering $150 off its always in-demand products so that more people can take care of their bodies during this stress-inducing time. They've also partnered with Feeding America so that each device sold ensures 100 meals for the people in the purchaser's area that need them.


Theragun Liv, $, available at Theragun

Pamela Love

In addition to saving 25% on a good luck-wielding talisman from Pamela Love (use the code TOGETHER), a percentage of all sales will be donated to No Kid Hungry. Plus, the jewelry designer is crafting up some polymer clay pieces that are available for special order through her Instagram where 100% of proceeds will go straight to No Kid Hungry as well.

Pamela Love Mini Scarab Beatle Pendant, $, available at Pamela Love

St. Frank

Eclectic home brand St. Frank is offering its customers the choice between enjoying 10% off their next purchase with the code GET10 to treat themselves while also supporting a small business or using the alternative code GIVE10 to donate that 10% of their purchase to Feeding America.

St. Frank Terracotta Classic Kuba Cloth, $, available at St. Frank

Spacey Studios

Art may not be a cure, but it does have the power to lift spirits and inspire positivity in even the darkest moment. When you buy a print from Spacey Studios, the company will donate a print to a hospital in New York combatting COVID-19. And by giving the gift of art, you're also helping a community of independent creatives that are also in need of support.

Spacey Studios "Y" By Giuseppe Palmisano, Limited Edition Print, $, available at Spacey Studios

The Body Shop

Considering The Body Shop will be donating 30,000 units of its cleansing products to local shelters and senior communities throughout the U.S. and Canada, this is one retailer we feel particularly pleased to get behind.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $, available at The Body Shop

Smalls

Animal shelters also need help, and you can become a short-term foster to a cat in need as part of the Foster With Smalls program. Smalls is a cat food delivery service that is now sponsoring foster families with 30 days of human-grade nutrition, care, and play products. Email community@smallsforsmalls.com for more information.


Smalls 1-Month Complete Balance Cat Food Delivery, $, available at Smalls

Farmacy

If you make any sort of contribution to Feeding America right now, Farmacy will match it. The indie beauty brand is also donating 10,000 meals a day for 30 days as part of its commitment to serving communities and individuals facing hunger across America.


Farmacy GREEN CLEAN, $, available at Farmacy

Freshly

With lots of home-cooked dinners on the horizon, now's the time to consider signing up for a convenient meal service like a weekly subscription with Freshly. The company has joined forces with Nestlé to donate $500,000 to Meals on Wheels America and is inviting anyone with the means during these trying times to donate as well.

Freshly 4 Meals Per Week, $, available at Freshly

Sanctuary

L.A.-based brand Sanctuary is using its resources to produce over 5 million N95 masks to support our medical community as they battle this virus on the frontlines across the nation. At the same time, the company is launching its Essential Lifestyle Masks for consumers, designed to create a barrier to protect you from your surroundings. The best part: purchase of these masks will allow Sanctuary to donate masks to organizations in need, starting with a local Los Angeles hospital.

Sanctuary 5-Pack of Essential Lifestyle Masks, $, available at Sanctuary

Summersalt

While shopping for a new bathing suit might be the last thing on the brain for anyone stuck at home for the foreseeable future, Summersalt's first-ever sale might just change your mind. The brand will be discounting over 100 items, and for every order of sale items of $150 or more, they will be donating $10 to No Kid Hungry to ensure all kids get access to healthy food, which is especially important in these times.

Summersalt The Mesh Diver, $, available at Summersalt

Saylor

For anyone with their hearts and minds set on spring, consider the perfect warm-weather attire from this female-led fashion brand. The company is currently donating 10% of sales from their e-comm site to God's Love We Deliver, an organization that home delivers meals to people who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves.

Saylor Lexington Sweater, $, available at Saylor

Of course, you don't need to buy something for yourself to contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts. Below, find a list of organizations accepting donations to help those that need it most right now, from nurses and doctors on the frontlines to children at risk of going hungry.

Send your N95 and surgical masks directly to the healthcare workers in urgent need of them.

Donate to Feeding America's COVID-19 response fund. Every dollar raised will be used to get food and funds to local food banks across the U.S.

Donate to GlobalGiving's Coronavirus Relief Fund to help stop the virus's spread and give communities on the front lines of the crisis the resources they need to act quickly and protect the most vulnerable

Donate to St. Vincents Meals on Wheels to serve the hundreds of seniors across Los Angeles now in need of home-delivered meals due to the closures of senior centers.

Donate to Save the Children & No Kid Hungry to help provide food and books to children affected by coronavirus.

Donate to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 Response Fund to support preparedness, containment efforts, response and recovery activities for those affected by COVID-19 and for the responders.

Donate to Baby2Baby's COVID-19 Emergency Response Program and support their mission to provide basic essentials to children in need.

Skims

Kim Kardashian's brand of shapewear and undergarments will be donating 20% of profits from its recently re-stocked Cotton Collection to Baby2Baby’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Program, supporting their mission to provide basic essentials to children in need.

Skims Cotton Rib Boxer, $, available at Skims

from refinery29