As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta comes alive with the spirit of giving, celebrations, and vibrant local businesses. Amidst the joy of shopping for loved ones, there's a remarkable opportunity to make a difference by supporting our community's local enterprises and initiatives. This article, sponsored by Georgia Tech's Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI), aims to guide your holiday shopping experience in Atlanta toward supporting businesses that give back. The ILSI, committed to promoting servant leadership and practices fostering a more just, caring, and equitable world, presents these five social businesses and nonprofits as a holiday impact guide tailored to benefiting Atlanta communities during the holiday season. Below you’ll find four local artisan markets, an opportunity for impactful Christmas tree sourcing, and an opportunity to give back by providing fresh food to residents of Atlanta.
1. Refuge Coffee Co. Holiday Market
Date: December 9th, 9 AM
Link: Refuge Coffee Co. Holiday Market
Join Refuge Coffee Co.'s holiday market, where every purchase supports their mission of providing employment opportunities and assistance to refugees resettling in Atlanta. Find unique gifts while directly contributing to the livelihoods of individuals seeking refuge.
2. Plywood People Artisan Market
Date: December 9th, 9 AM - 4 PM
Link: Plywood People Artisan Market
ILSI Partner, Plywood People, is hosting an artisan market as a hub for social impact-driven entrepreneurs. Explore a diverse range of products crafted by artisans and makers dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities.
3. Back to Nature Holiday Market at Chattahoochee Nature Center
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023, 10 AM – 5 PM
Link: Back to Nature Holiday Market
Embrace sustainable living and support local artisans at the Chattahoochee Nature Center's holiday market. Discover eco-friendly gifts and contribute to environmental education and conservation efforts in the metro-Atlanta area.
4. Trees for Tuition
Link: Trees for Tuition
Trees for Tuition combines environmental conservation with educational support. By purchasing their holiday trees, you're contributing to scholarships for students, planting trees, and fostering a greener planet. Visit one of their many Atlanta locations, or have a tree delivered to your door.
5. Free Fridge
Link: Free Fridge Support
Join the movement to combat food insecurity by supporting free community fridges located throughout Atlanta during the holiday season. Donations to these initiatives ensure that anyone in need has access to fresh and nutritious food, especially during the holidays.
This holiday season, make a positive impact by shopping at these markets or giving back directly through monetary gifts or gifts in kind. By choosing to support these local Atlanta businesses and community-driven initiatives, you're not only finding meaningful gifts but also contributing to causes that create lasting social change. Spread the joy of giving by shopping with purpose and making a difference in your community.
6. Lady MOB Holiday Artist Market
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023, 9 AM – 1 PM
Link: Lady MOB Holiday Artist Market
Hosted at Eventide Brewery in historic Grant Park, come support local, women-owned businesses by shopping at the Southwest Atlanta Lady MOB's holiday artist market, featuring 35+ vendors' handmade crafts. Southeast Atlanta Lady MOB's (My Own Boss) mission is to connect and support a network of self-employed women professionals, providing professional advice to grow their businesses.
This holiday season, make a positive impact by shopping at these markets or giving back directly through monetary gifts or gifts in kind. By choosing to support these local Atlanta businesses and community-driven initiatives, you're not only finding meaningful gifts but also contributing to causes that create lasting social change. Spread the joy of giving by shopping with purpose and making a difference in your community.