Charities to Give Back to During the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner and everyone is bustling about making fun festive plans and picking up last minute gifts for their loved ones.  During this holiday season, one of the best gifts you can give is to a charity of your choice.  It is a great way to give back to the community. Here are a few of our favorites:

Make-A-Wish-Foundation

To grant a Christmas wish to children all over the world

The Salvation Army

To help provide a warm meal for the Holidays

Angel Tree

To deliver love in the form of Christmas gifts and to send a message of hope to children of parents in prison

Toys for Tots

To donate a new toy or give a donation to help make Christmas a little brighter for a child in need in your community

Charities this Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for us to cherish our loved ones and be thankful for everything that we have, but we must remember those who are not as fortunate as we are. No matter how small or large your contribution, giving to charities during the holidays is a wonderful way to help those in need and truly make a difference in someone’s life. Here are some of our favorite charities for you to keep in mind during this holiday season:

Toys for Tots
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots collects toys to give as Christmas presents to children in need in your local community.  Click here to find a drop off center near you and help make a child’s Christmas morning truly special.

Pencils of Promise
This organization helps to bring education to kids around the world. Through building schools, training teachers, and mentoring students, Pencils of Promise provides less fortunate children with priceless access to education.

Soles 4 Souls
Soles 4 Souls provides shoes and clothing to those in need of them. This anti-poverty organization collects new and used shoes & clothing and distributes them in areas of high need.

Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon assists victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes by providing them with a safe environment as well as support with recovery.


In addition to providing a donation directly to a charity, you can also make sure that the gifts you give your loved ones help those in need. Here are some wonderful gift ideas in which the proceeds go to a great cause:

Smashbox Eye Wish Palette

This makeup kit, which includes twelve eye shadows, four cream liners, and mascara, is a great gift for the women in your life. Your loved one will look beautiful and the best part? All of the proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Available at Smashbox.com

Musical Objects

These adorable and modern music boxes play holiday tunes and are the perfect accent to your home holiday décor. The proceeds of each sale go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Available at West Elm

Kiehl's - Jeff Koons Creme de Corps

This soothing skin lotion will help heal dry and cracked skin from the cold weather.
All sales go to The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

Available at Kiehls.com 

Lavender-Pomegranate Gift Set

A beautifully packaged assortment of deliciously scented body lotion, wash, and soap. All proceeds from your purchase will support ovarian cancer research.
Available at Jardinusoleil.com



If you’d like to give something charitable in honor of a loved one this holiday season, but aren’t sure of what organization your recipient would want to support, giving a Global Giving Gift Card is the perfect solution. This gift card allows your recipient to choose how they would like to make a difference.

Happy Holidays SJS Holiday Party

With the holiday season here we wanted to extend warm holiday greetings and wishes to everyone.

We had out holiday party at Japas 38 Karaoke, where old and new SJS members came together to spend quality time. Thank you for all who showed up and participated in the fabulous sing-a-longs. It was a great time!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!!

Prioritize and Budget

It’s an exciting time. You just got engaged to your soul mate and you start looking at magazines, dresses, and décor. Don’t get carried away just yet. If you don’t prioritize your wants and needs and set a budget, this special time can become stressful and put a strain on your finances and your relationships.

Be realistic and honest with yourself. Do you really need crystals on your cake? Do you need a ten piece band and a dj? Distinguish between what you want and what you need.

Setting and following a budget will help guide you throughout the planning process. Understand you may have to make some comprises. If you exceed the budget with one item, such as your dress, be prepared to cut back in other areas, such as décor. The more you want, the bigger the budget.


Helpful Tips:

• Budget: Think with your wallet
• The time of year: Holidays and long weekends are normally more expensive
• Linen: Go with the standard or what the venue or caterer supplies
• Cake: Go with a local bakery that will be less expensive.
• Menu: Try a buffet option instead of a seated dinner service

Stay flexible, prioritize, and remember you can have an amazing wedding on any budget!