notablySmitten

school supplies

super supple galoshes - Roma Boots

cause conscious, ethical, fashion, gifts, school supplies, rain bootseden tirlComment
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When it comes to rain boots...supple, chic Roma Boots are THE way to go. These rubber beauties are not only resilient to inclement weather, but are playful, colorful and wonderfully mod. Offering an array of styles and hues to choose from, Roma boots are cornering the market!

Roma Boots were conceived by Romanian born Samuel Bistrian, who grew up in the remote village of Benesti, and had experienced poverty firsthand in the still communist ruled country. Though having moved to the states when he was 8, he returned to Romania in 2001, and though communism no longer remained, poverty did. He witnessed children in the streets lacking proper shoes, or no footwear at all.

After college, Bistrian took a job with Neiman Marcus and in 2009 met Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes. Bistrian was truly inspired by his story, and a year later Samuel decided to take his experience in retail fashion and meld it with his altruistic efforts - with the help of family and friends, Roma Boots was born. 

With a mission to help eradicate poverty, Roma aspires to directly serve street children and orphans. Working  on a "buy one, give one" model: for every pair of boots sold, a new pair are donated to a child in need. In addition to the protective galoshes, the boots are filled to the brim with educational supplies. Fantastic!

Expanding the effort: 10% of all sales go to the Roma For All Foundation, created with an aim to help educate these children to break the cycle of poverty. 

Smitten!

philanthropic pencil packs - KITE

cause conscious, community, education, gifts, literacy, pencils, school supplieseden tirlComment
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Since Halloween is around the corner, I can’t help but think of the year my mother began to hand out pencils instead of candy to the little monsters ringing our big brass doorbell. I remember being slightly embarrassed initially, but came around to understanding her choice...and thinking it was very cool.

I’m not suggesting my above anecdote this Halloween, however...I do love the idea of KITE pencil packs for stocking stuffers and secret Santa exchanges in December. It would also be a great gift from teacher to student...providing a perfect opportunity to teach about giving back and philanthropy.

KITE (Kids Inspiring Tomorrow's Education) is a school supply company that gives back based on a "one-for-one" model. For every pencil pack purchased, KITE provides one to a child in need. Hard to believe, 13 million kids in the US don’t have access to basic school supplies, with millions more children around the world facing the same issue.  

KITE is starting with pencils but hopes to develop a full line of school supplies, and help make the image of an education a reality for children around the world.  They give both domestically and internationally and partner with organizations and schools on the ground to distribute supplies.  

Totally Smitten.