A New WayTo Give T (NAPSA)—This season, perhaps due to the economy and world affairs, many holiday shoppers have two new outlookson gift-giving—spend carefully and spend with a purpose. Millions of Americans are turning to what they consider socially responsible goods—handmadeproducts created by underprivilegedartisans across the United States and around the world. Buying these products helps create a living that will not only support those whoare less fortunate, but also their families and communities. An example of a foundation that produces socially responsible goods is The Enterprise Kitchen (TEK), a Chicago-based association dedicated to helping disadvantaged inner-city women whoseekself-efficiency and independence. Working within the context of a small business that produces high-quality handmade soaps and bath grains, TEK womenreceive hands-on, intensive assistance that includes paid employment,life skills training, and a variety of other support services. Financial resources generated by their product sales help sustain and develop the program. Recently, the top Website for bargain shopping launched Worldstock, its new Socially Responsible Goods departmentthat sells everything from martini glasses made by Mexican glassblowersto one-of-akindsterlingsilver jewelry from Peru to silks hand-woven by Cambodian land-minesurvivors. Mostretailers typically mark up these kinds of imported products by 200 or 300 percent and return only a slim fraction of the retail price to the artisan. Worldstock is different—it empowers artisans by letting them name the price for their products, while keeping prices low for consumers— adding no morethan five percent net profit to run the business and Ae Weg , ass charginga flat $3.95 shipping fee for an item of any size or weight. Worldstock is the brainchild of Patrick Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com. Byrne holdsa doctorate in philosophy from Standard University with an emphasisin philosophical issues related to poverty and economic development. “T have met many disadvantaged artisans in mylife and know that they are not seeking handouts, but instead want work,self respect, the ability to earn a living and provide for their families and communities,” said Byrne. “This departmentlets them makea living while practicing their traditional skills and lets our customers makea positive difference with their purchasing dollars.” Overstock.com works with recognized trade associations to find traditional artisans working on a small scale who provide humane working conditions and maximum wages for workers. To support socially responsible gift giving, go to www.worldstock.com where you can shop online and read how your purchases are directly impacting the artisans who have created them.
