Guest Author - Susan Dorling

CharityUSA.com gives you the power to make a difference in the world. Through very simple actions like clicking daily on a 'free contribution button', and shopping for artisan jewelry, gifts, apparel, and home decor at their do-good online stores that give even more funding, you directly benefit leading non-profit organizations that help people, animals, and the planet.

CharityUSA.com owns and operates the GreaterGood Network of websites which include The Hunger Site, The Breast Cancer Site, The Child Health Site, The Literacy Site, The Animal Rescue Site, The Rainforest Site,Pink Ribbon Store, Museum Shop, Gear That Gives, and Ecology Fund.

This dynamic family of online activism sites are proof that the Internet truly can be an instrument of positive change in the world by bringing together communities that care.

I discovered this wonderful jewelry shopping resource this morning, and by 7 a.m. had done some clicking and some shopping. My click along with all the other people who had clicked today so far has funded over 35,000 cups of food for the hungry—the site gives hourly updates. I also purchased a beautiful American Original Vintage Bead Necklace, designed exclusively for The GreaterGood Network by New York jewelry artisan, Laura Costagliola. This unique necklace utilizes an assortment of unusual and vintage beads made from glass, crystal, stone, clay, metal, and wood. I love this piece, but most importantly to me, with my purchase I funded 28 bowls of food for animals living in sanctuaries and shelters.

Another lovely piece I have my eye on is the Rainforest Tear Pendant for only $19.95. Individually handcrafted by Seattle, Washington-based glass artist, David Braut who has been flameworking since 1999, Rainforest Tear Pendants are a gorgeous swirling blend of blue hues flameworked from clear and colored borosilicate glass fashionably strung on a black wax cord. If purchased through The Animal Rescue Site, 28 bowls of food are funded for animals in sanctuaries and shelters.

I love the delicate beauty of the Sundrop Earrings for only $19.95. With every purchase the Rainforest Site will preserve 2290 sq. ft. of land. These gorgeous earrings are created by a pair of Seattle-based artisans who harness the power of the sun’s rays to melt glass into unique wearable art. A giant magnifying glass is used to focus the sun’s 3000 degree heat onto glass that is pulled down by gravity and melts the glass into the unique ‘sundrop’ shape. These 1” to 1¼” earrings are made with sterling silver findings with hypoallergic rubber stoppers and the lush colors are wonderful. Choose Teal, Strike Red, or Water to make you look beautiful, and feel good about saving a piece of the rainforest, too!