For the 13th year in a row, some of America's best known retailers and restaurants are again partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® for their yearly Thanks and Giving® campaign. What began as a simple holiday focused fundraising effort, has grown into a spirited and inspiring annual tradition that has raised more than $588 million dollars.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we receive year after year during the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign." said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Throughout the holiday season people open their hearts to the children of St. Jude and as a result, our doctors and scientists can continue their groundbreaking research and pioneering procedures that help us achieve our landmark survival rates. And, we are able to continue to ensure that no family pays St. Jude for anything - not for treatment, travel, housing or food - because we believe all a family should worry about is helping their child live."
This holiday season, it's easier than ever to support the Thanks and Giving® Campaign. From now until the end of the year, consumers can support St. Jude while shopping at premier brands in retail, restaurant, travel, hospitality, media, and more.
Here are just a few of the ways you can shop, eat, and get merry this Christmas, all while supporting St. Jude.
Kmart introduces The Giving Hat™
Since 2006, Kmart customers and associates have participated in Thanks and Giving®, making them the hospital's No. 1 supporter with over $76 million raised. On sale now at all Kmart stores and online will be The Giving Hat™- a stylish winter knit hat, one size fits all, and available in three versions embroidered with messages inspired by St. Jude patients and their families; "Smile," "Laugh A Lot," and "Give Thanks." One dollar from the sale of each $5 hat will be added to the millions of dollars Kmart stores are raising this season. "I've seen first-hand the courage of St. Jude patients and hospital staff. They are deeply committed to defeating childhood cancer and other diseases. The Giving Hat is another way we can let the families at St. Jude know we support them. Even small gestures can have an amazing impact." said Alasdair James, Kmart President and Chief Member Officer. Shoppers can join the conversation and spread the word on social media by sharing a photo wearing the hat with the hashtag #TheGivingHat
Several retail partners are offering special merchandise during the holidays to benefit St. Jude.
Mug decorated by St. Jude patients, available at Williams & Sonoma
Williams and Sonoma, Inc. will be offering kitchen gifts featuring artwork from St. Jude patients, with 25% of each purchase being donated. Since 2003, Williams and Sonoma, Inc., has donated more than $30 million dollars. Shoppers can also donate directly at the register and from their online shopping cart, as well as purchasing a product that gives back to St. Jude from their partners Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Rejuvenation and Mark and Graham.
Kay Jewelers will once again offer its popular plush animals, Travis and Trey, to benefit St. Jude. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each $13.99 bear will go directly to St. Jude.
Ann Taylor has designed a special collection of jewelry inspired by the iconic elephant, a symbol of family, strength, and good luck. Called the Limited Edition Elephant Jewelry Collection, 50% of the purchase price will go to St. Jude from now until January 30, 2016.
Part of Elephant Jewelry Collection available at Ann Taylor, proceeds to St. Jude
Home Shopping Network has released their 2015 HSN Cares Ornaments for St. Jude, with 100% of the profits being donated. Since 2005, HSN has raised over $10 million dollars for St. Jude.
One of many ornaments available from Home Shopping Network this Christmas, proceeds to St. Jude
New York & Company is proud to support St. Jude, and has raised $16 million dollars since 2008. This year, shop online and in stores and look for the limited edition St. Jude necklace, key fob, and bracelet set with proceeds going to St. Jude.
New York & Company Jewelry Set, proceeds to St. Jude
Brooks Brothers has an entire St. Jude gift collection you can shop from, with portions of the proceeds going to St. Jude. Items include elegant silk accessories, ties, cashmere, and plush bears manufactured by Gund®.
In addition, you can donate to St. Jude directly at the register and in your online cart at such retailers as Best Buy, AutoZone, HomeGoods, Marshalls, GNC, Claire's, Dollar General, Justice, and Party City.
Dominos Pizza continues its partnership with St. Jude, having raised more than $25 million dollars to date, and committed to raising $35 million more over the next eight years. This year during Thanks and Giving®, consumers can also help the kids of St. Jude by purchasing the St. Jude Meal Deal - a bundle that includes two medium one-topping pizzas, an order of Marbled Cookie Brownie, a two-liter of Coca-Cola® and a $1 donation to St. Jude - for $19.99. Capture and share your family enjoying the St. Jude Meal Deal with the hashtag #pizzanightforStJude
The Melting Pot is offering diners a chance to donate to St. Jude. For every $10 donated, guests will receive a Donate and Dine card, valid for $20 off a future purchase of $50 or more at The Melting Pot. The best part - 100 percent of each donation is given directly to St. Jude
Chili's Restaurants continue to support St. Jude, giving diners the chance to donate to Thanks and Giving® right at their tabletop kiosk.
Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is thankful for the overwhelming support and success of Thanks and Giving®. "Throughout the campaign we ask people to 'Give thanks,' and we are truly thankful for our partners, their employees, customers and St. Jude supporters who enable us to continue working until we reach the day when no child dies from cancer."
You can join the fight against childhood cancer this holiday season:
Donate at St. Jude and visit the site to learn more, and be sure to shop and dine with participating partners.
Follow St. Jude on Facebook, and Twitter and show what you are thankful for during the holidays using the hashtag #GiveThanks.
Melissa Fenton is a freelance writer and St. Jude Blogging Ambassador. Find her at 4boysmother