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Recently, as I flipped through a new fashion magazine, an ad caught my eye. It was for Sketchers, and said, “Nothing Compares to Family”. It used a photograph of Tori Spelling and her son, Liam…assumingly both wearing Sketchers. The ad included the fact that Sketchers joins Ms. Spelling in support of the K.I.D.S. Foundation, and to visit www.SKETCHERS.com/charities.

Now, I liked that. It is uplifting that not every company is only looking out for number one. When one considers how much money is being made on overpriced clothing that costs a fraction of its price tag in terms of material, it does seem almost sinful that our purchasing power is just making executives rich. It seems that, with so much emphasis on “going green” these days, we, as a society, would be much more conscious about how we make our choices. The last time I remember any strong emphasis on such considerations was a few years back, when we found out the abhorrent conditions under which many foreign workers slaved to give us the clothes we so nonchalantly toss in our closets. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see Sketchers take a step in the right direction.

My faith was even further renewed in mankind’s altruism when I found yet another page encouraging shoppers to “do good” with their purchasing power. On just this one page, six different organizations are inspiring to rise above petty greediness for their own bottom line and allow their sales to offer help where it is urgently needed. I don’t know about you, but I’m much more apt to part with my cash if I think it is providing assistance instead of just filling some corporate pocket. If you agree, here are a few starting points to get you going in the right direction:

Small Flower-30% of sales of L’Aromatheque Cassis Perfume Extract benefits the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The price is $9.50 at smallflower.com for .28 ounces.

Erica Weiner-30% of sales of a gold-toned, filigree ring at $20 will benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ring is wide, etched, and appears to be able to fit most fingers. It can be found at ericaweiner.com

Shop Daja-They are offering an origami dress for $363, 30% of which will benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Their website is shopdaja.com. The one advertised is a royal blue and A-line, with black tank top-like straps, a black belt, and black, lacy fringes around the neckline.

Figments-Figments Designs will donate 30% of sales from a $62 coin purse to Humane Society of the United States. Check out figmetnsdesign.com to see this beautifully gold and ivory embroidered bag with one central clasp.

Shop Intuition-Unique summer sandals can be found for $154; asymmetrical straps, crisscrossing below where the 3rd toe would lay and topped with a small band, have a very modern appeal. With the wider strap across the instep, the look becomes funky, as well. The ones pictured appear to be either white satin or white patent leather. The Humane Society of the United States will receive over $46 of each pair sold.

Violet.Com-Offers a magnolia and baby’s breath patterned platter, of which 30% of sales benefits the Humane Society of the United States. It is square, off white in color, with dark gray, pencil-like botanical designs stretching from diagonal corners and meeting in the center. It is truly lovely, for $75.

Clearly, these are Animal Welfare organizations, which need help just as much as all other charities. If you want to find out about other animal organizations that will profit from your purchases of tops, bags, jewelry, scarves and other items, check out animal and pet lover magazines. In the back there are many ads of items where your money not only gives you something a bit out of the ordinary to wear and/or use, you’ll be doing a wonderful thing to help “those who cannot help themselves.” (I once bought a pretty t-shirt with an outline of a cat, which benefited a group named Felines, and I felt wonderful every time I wore it.)

If you know of such an organization, please feel free to share it here so that we can all know about it. Thank you!