Fashion for Japan: Deals to help in relief
Tees that tweak the old "I Heart NY" slogan, in men's and women's sizes, $35, and totes, $20 (all proceeds donated to the Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund and NYC's Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund); at fashiongirlsforjapan.com Credit: Handout
Soon after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, children's brand OshKosh B'Gosh launched a "Cranes for Kids" program, encouraging kids to donate handmade origami cranes (a Japanese symbol of health and good fortune). For every crane received, the firm would send an article of clothing, up to 50,000 items, to a Japanese child in need.
The initiative ended April 25, and more than a week later the cranes were nearing 200,000 . . . and counting.
"The cranes will be displayed in our stores in Tokyo to show that children in the U.S . . . have the people of Japan in their thoughts and prayers," says Michael Casey, chairman and CEO of Carter's Inc., OshKosh's parent firm.
Other fashion brands, including many with commercial ties to Japan, are doing their part. Tiffany & Co. made a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross, which has thus far sent more than $100 million to aid the Japanese. Brooks Brothers and Lord & Taylor ran fundraisers. Footwear firm Me Too is donating nearly 2,000 pairs of shoes, and Thor-Lo donated about 4,000 pairs of socks, via the nonprofit group Soles4Souls. And the Council of Fashion Designers of America set up an online auction at
charitybuzz.com (now extended through May 17), where Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and others have donated shopping sprees, runway show tickets and more.
What can you do? We surveyed scores of brands and found these deals that do good.
Closer to home
Thousands of Americans in six states across the Southeast are now homeless due to the recent tornadoes -- the deadliest in 85 years. They need clothes and personal care items, from shirts, pants, socks and underwear to linens, soap and more. You can help, by donating items to the nonprofit Fashion Delivers (call 646-786-2680 or visit fashiondelivers.org).
