Charity for … you know, random stuff

Currently listening to Putumayo’s Music from the Coffee Lands. I love this stuff. Next up is Music from the Chocolate Lands. Just recently discovered Putumayo (where have I been?) via their Internet radio shows. So pleased. What, not heard of Putumayo?  It’s a group (non-profit) that introduces more cultural music to theworld.  Very enjoyable.

OK - to the crafting!  So, I have not been to Craftster enough.  However, I am beginning to solve that problem.  One of my most recent discoveries is the forum for Charity.   There are all sorts of fun ideas there and possibilities for charity, some of which I’ve posted before like Afghans for Afghans, and some of which I’d never even thought of before like soft cloth for ferrets.

I saw several people consider on the forum consider ideas for running an Etsy shop with donated items.  The sale of donated items would benefit charity.  I think this seems like a stunningly good idea, and something I might yet do myself one day.  Some people are already doing this:

• Items for Autism/Aspergers Awareness from Crystal Flipz designs.
• Jek in the Box is offering purple items for October, which is Lupus Awareness Month (that’s one of the items - a cozie for glasses/ipod/etc there on the right).
• There are a bunch of people offering items for Breast Cancer Awareness, which is also in October.

I’m thinking of doing monthly giveaways for various awarenesses.  Pretty much every month is some sort of awareness month for something.  What I give away would be something that benefits charity by its purpose - like the items from Jek in the Box.  I don’t know - it’s just a  half-baked idea.  Anyone like it?  Anyone have any more ideas about it?  Suggestions?
Speaking of giveaways, have you heard about Moby Gratis?  Moby’s put up 65+ songs on his website that are free to download for noncommercial or non-profit films/shorts/videos.  Pretty awesome.  Anyway, if you have a need - what a great resource!