Non-profit Artisans

the Hug Box loves finding small businesses all over the USA and local to Georgia that fit our brand and our love for eco-friendly, handmade, natural products and for giving back to the community. The following are some of the non-profits that we support and carry their products in our Hug Box gift shop and in our Hug Box gift boxes.

re:loom

re:loom is a program of Initiative for Affordable Housing, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Decatur, Georgia. Founded in 1990 with one home and one homeless family, Initiative for Affordable Housing's mission is to provide permanent, affordable housing to homeless and low-income families in metro Atlanta. Our rigorous, holistic social services program empowers individuals to reach personal goals and achieve independence.

Weavers design and produce beautiful, handmade products out of recycled fibers. They create everything from rugs, purses, tote bags, pillows and more. They also do custom work.

www.reloom.com

Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms was created by Becca Stevens in 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee. For over 20 years, Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of sexual abuse, trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Most of the women they serve first experienced sexual abuse between ages 7-11 and began using alcohol or drugs by age 13, and first hit the streets between the ages of 14 and 16. Traumatic childhood experiences give way to homelessness, addiction, further abuse, and incarceration, often compounded by poverty. 

They believe that love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the street, and a strong community will help them not only heal, but thrive. They provide housing, healthcare, counseling, and employment for two years - free of charge. 

They create natural, high-quality bath and body products that help heal with their ingredients and love. 

www.thistlefarms.org

New Hope Girls

They began in a small barrio in the Dominican Republic and have truly never left. They continue to hold little hands giving them the support they need to grow and make choices that will preserve their worth and dignity. Working alongside local officials, New Hope Girls is in front of the rescue of minor girls caught in abuse and exploitation. New Hope Girls advocates for girls from the start in court, providing for their physical, emotional, spiritual, judicial, therapeutic and academic needs. They provide multiple Safe Homes for girls, ranging from age 4 into adulthood. 

The fair trade workshop is the arm of prevention to ensure that local moms can provide for their families with dignity, breaking the cycle in hopes that they will never have to rescue their daughters. They craft beautiful bags as co-laborers in the rescue work of New Hope Girls. When you buy one of our bags the proceeds return to New Hope Girls so that we can continue providing Rescue, Refuge and Restoration!

New Hope Girls products are made with love in Dominican Republic. They design and create beautiful and unique purses, totes, backpacks, pouches, and even collaborated with Vera Bradley. For the latest designs, the girls were able to leave their mark on each and every bag for sale. The liner is their very own handwriting!

www.newhopegirls.com

Torn Pages

Founder Jay Gardner of Newnan, Georgia, spent 20 years in prison during which time he was inspired by his fellow inmates whom made jewelry from torn pieces of old paper. This led to his vision of Torn Pages jewelry. Free today, Jay is dedicated to helping others shake off life’s shackles and repair their Torn Pages and spread the message
of Hope, Peace & Strength.

Torn Pages bracelets are weaved with 100% recycled paper by women in Africa while being supported with meaningful fair trade employment.

Torn Pages supports other local Georgia non-profit organizations through collaborations. Among these are Empowering Men & Women on the Move Re-Entry, Inc., Real lIfe Center, Camp Grace and Coweta F.O.R.C.E.

www.tornpages.com

Blossom Artisanal

Based in Orlando, Florida, Blossom is a unique work opportunity, employing adults and teenagers with developmental disabilities. Their team produces amazing all-natural artisanal products while gaining meaningful employment and learning skills that last a lifetime. 

Many individuals with developmental disabilities are unemployed. Blossom knows that many of these folks are able and willing to work given the right environment and support. Blossom provides a culture of empowerment that fosters independence. Their artisans are responsible for each phase of the business, from hand producing our soaps, candles and bath teas to packaging, shipping and sales.

Blossom products are all natural and handmade in small batches. Their goat's milk soaps, soy wax candles and essential oil bath teas provide clean, nourishing and sustainable options for customers. Blossom only uses sustainably sourced palm oil by vendors who are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

www.blossomartisanal.com