Care to Shop? Charities that benefit when you buy

Shopping is fun, but it’s a bonus when something you buy actually benefits others. We’ve found five great companies that, in partnership with established charities, are giving back to their favorite causes. Now, just by buying these great goods, you can give back, too.

Soles4Souls
VOS slides ($19.95) are colorful, casual sandals that are made of 100 percent recyclable natural rubber. In partnership with Soles4Souls, VOS has committed to donate one pair of new slides for every pair sold.

Since 2005, Soles4Souls has donated more than 12 million pairs of shoes to people in need in over 125 countries.

VOS is also working with the nonprofit groups Gremial de Huleros and AgroSalud to assist and support more than 500 Guatemalan rubber plantation workers and their families. Areas of focus are health care – particularly giving vaccinations and health education to families – and providing garbage disposal systems, latrines and portable drinking water.

Nature Conservancy
Natural beauty brand Lavanila is known for making beautiful, luxurious products that are 100 percent healthy. The company has a Healthy Fragrance line ($19-$60) and an ongoing relationship with the Nature Conservancy. For every purchase made at Lavanila.com, the brand will plant one tree – so get shopping.

American Heart Association
Have you tried Scentsy Candle Warmers ($20-$35)? When these plug-in warmers are switched on, they give off a soft light and release the scent of your choice. With more than 85 scents to choose from, you can switch scents whenever you wish.

One hundred percent of net proceeds from Scentsy’s newest charitable cause candle warmer, Heartfelt ($35), will be donated to the American Heart Association. Funds will finance lifesaving research and increase awareness for cardiovascular disease.

Economic Development for Women
The bracelets ($10) from Beautiful Burundi are not only festive and pretty, but their purchase helps Burundi, Africa women – specifically victims of gender-based violence. Through the creation of the handwoven bracelets, which are made from native grasses, the Burundian women have been able to more than triple their income. Their efforts enable them to afford better nutrition, education and health care for their children.