Just Do It

Ten Thousand Villages Shopping Benefit

by Annamarya Scaccia

Sat., March 8 and every Wed. in March, 3-7 p.m., Ten Thousand Villages, 1122 Walnut St., 215-574-2008, tenthousandvillages.com

Nearly 75 percent of the artisans behind the wicker baskets, silk scarves, clay figures and other fair-trade pieces in Ten Thousand Villages gift shops are women. In celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day this Saturday, the store is hosting community shopping benefits to support nonprofits helping local ladies in need.

"Not only are we helping women internationally, which truly is our mission," says marketing manager Mary Fry, "but we are also able to apply this initiative locally." This month on Wednesday evenings, 10 percent of all proceeds from the Walnut Street store will be donated to the following charities: Career Wardrobe (March 12), Women Against Abuse (March 19) and Congreso (March 26). If you prefer to shop from your desk, 10 percent of all Internet purchases made on March 8 will go toward the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

Regardless of the time of year, Ten Thousand Villages supports programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America that aid women and children affected by violence. "A big part of [Ten Thousand Villages'] mission is improving the welfare of women and their families," says Kate Jamal, assistant manager of the Center City location. "Sometimes you need a few resources just to get started, and that's very close to our mission of fair trade."