Maureen C. Gilmer

maureen.gilmer@indystar.com

So Black Friday has come and gone and you opted not to join the crushing crowds to start your holiday shopping.

You say you want a different kind of shopping experience this year? You're not alone. A survey by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society found that 90 percent of Americans say they believe the true meaning of the holidays is to help others, eight in 10 adults feel the spirit of the holidays has become lost in the commercialization and a majority of adults surveyed (90 percent) prefer giving a gift that helps others rather than receiving one.

With that in mind, consider visiting one of these stores or websites for a gift that gives back, or support a local agency that is helping others:

Global Gifts, 446 Massachusetts Ave. and 1300 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, and 122 N. Walnut St., Bloomington — This locally owned nonprofit depends on a small staff and a big team of volunteers. Stores carry jewelry, home goods, toys and food items, all classified as fair trade: a social movement designed to reduce poverty and provide fair wages to producers in developing countries. For every product you buy from a different country, you get a stamp on your loyalty card.

Info: (317) 423-3148 or globalgiftsft.com.

Indy Reads Books, 911 Massachusetts Ave. — Buy a book and support Indy Reads, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve the literacy skills of adults in Central Indiana who currently read at or below a sixth-grade level. Customers are encouraged to “read and return” (donate) their used books back to the store once they are ready for their next book.

Info: (317) 384-1496 or indyreadsbooks.org.

Mama Said Tees,Carmel — Colleen O'Malia Stine launched her kindness initiative and T-shirt business with a friend in 2014, five days before domestic violence devastated her family. Stine's sister, Shannon Hall, was killed by Hall's estranged husband, who then killed himself, leaving Stine to raise her two nephews. The tragedy further reinforced the women's mission to change the world with messages of love and kindness. Earlier this year, they kicked off their "Normal" campaign with a goal of encouraging people to embrace others regardless of differences while raising money for the Pacers' National Bullying Prevention Center. Shop for shirts, hoodies, jewelry, mugs and a special Kindness Key Box, stuffed with a shirt, mug, bracelet, "Kindness Key" book, a gratitude jar and a letter from the owners.

Info: mama-said-tees.myshopify.com or facebook.com/mamasaidtees.

Joan's Caramels, Bloomington — Joan's Caramels makes hand-cut, hand-wrapped caramels in its Bloomington shop, and ships them all over the United States. Buy by the half-pound or larger sizes, or go for an eight-pack of turtles. For every bag of candy sold, the business donates 50 cents to Backpack Blessings, a partnership that brings weekend lunches to needy students in Wayne County.

Info: (812) 369-7844 or joanscaramels.com.

Endangered Species Chocolate, 5846 W. 73rd St.— Indulge in a cause and buy a chocolate bar from Endangered Species, made with ethically traded cacao and natural ingredients. Unwrap a bar and read about at-risk species around the world. Ten percent of net profits are donated to support conservation efforts. Find products at area Kroger stores, Georgetown Market, Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods and at amazon.com.

Info: (800) 293-0160 or chocolatebar.com

Adopt a Family — United Way of Central Indiana launched its United Christmas Service program in 1952, assisting families with gifts, clothing and food during the holidays. Give yourself the gift of a good feeling by adopting a family or donating to the assistance program this year. In 2015, more than 19,000 people received food, clothing and toys, thanks to donors' generosity.

Info: www.uwci.org/programs/united-christmas-service

Center for Global Impact, 3830 E. Southport Road, Suite A2 — Shop for byTavi clothing, scarves or handbags, and fight human trafficking. The apparel is made possible by the Center for Global Impact, a Christian organization that creates jobs for women in Cambodia.

Info: Visit the boutique at 436 E Jefferson St., Franklin, go online, centerforglobalimpact.org or call (317) 494-6226.

The Village Experience, 6055 N College Ave. — Shop The Opportunity Collection, a private-label, fair-trade brand created with artisans in India and Kenya, and feel good about fashion.

Info: (317) 602-3696 or experiencethevillage.com

Thirst Project — Former Indianapolis resident/Franklin Central High School grad Seth Maxwell launched the Thirst Project with a group of college friends in Southern California in 2008. Committed to addressing the global water crisis, the organization has raised more than $8 million and funded well-digging projects to provide more than 280,000 people in Swaziland with safe, clean water. Buy a shirt and support the cause, or donate and give the gift of clean water in someone's name.

Info: thirstproject.org

Elephantea — Enjoy a cup of tea with the knowledge that you're helping majestic animals. A percentage of profits goes to organizations in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, to prevent poaching and harming of wild elephants.

Info: (877) 230-4503 or elephantea.com.

Noteworthy

Peacemakers: Peace Learning Center is accepting nominations for the Power of Peace Award through Friday. The award is an annual recognition of a local leader who has made a positive contribution to Central Indiana by exhibiting peacemaking in action. The award will be presented Jan. 14 at the center's annual Martin Luther King Festival at Christian Theological Seminary. Find the nomination form at peacelearningcenter.org or call (317) 327-7144.

Christkindl Village: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church hosts its annual Christkindl Village this month in Downtown Indy. The festival will run from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 16 and noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 17 on the west block of Georgia Street and in the parking lot and courtyard of St. John Catholic Church, 126 W. Georgia St. Activities include a live Nativity, alpine slide for kids and adults, selfies with Santa, German foods, beer, craft booths and caroling. Admission is free. More information at stjohnsindy.org/christkindl-village.html.

Like, Share, Give: Green BEAN Delivery is giving back to Second Helpings in Indianapolis in celebration of a milestone. The online natural and organic grocery delivery service announced recently it has donated more than 1 million pounds of fresh produce to local food banks since its inception in 2007. Now, Green BEAN Delivery is inviting Indianapolis residents to help feed those in need by “liking” and “sharing” the campaign’s Facebook post. For every “like” the Facebook post receives, Green BEAN Delivery will contribute 1 pound of produce. Each time the post is shared, Green BEAN Delivery will donate 3 pounds of produce. Overall, the company hopes to donate more than 10,000 pounds of produce to six food banks, including Second Helpings.

Call IndyStar reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Follow her on Twitter: @MaureenCGilmer.

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