Oh, hey there, did you know that moolah isn’t the only way you can support your favorite charity? Let’s chew the fat on something not a lot of people are talking about – donating reward points from those loyalty programs we’re all signed up to. Yep, you heard that right! Particularly during these testing times of the global health crisis, when your points are just sitting pretty, why not stir things up a bit? How about throwing them towards something meaningful like supporting Black Lives Matter and other organizations?
Remember the Columbia Space Shuttle? Well, George Floyd’s death feels like that. An explosion that echoes around the world, igniting a conversation about systemic racism. Did it make me want to jump into my wardrobe and dig out my protesting shoes? You betcha! And I am not alone. A lot of folks are finding creative ways to contribute. Some are using their voices, some are actively raising awareness online. Many are even covering bail for protesters.
So, if you’re feeling the pull and are not sure where to start, my advice? Scour through your unspent loyalty points. You know, the ones you’ve been hoarding from companies like Sephora’s Beauty Insider or Hilton Honors. These are typically exchanged for company products or experiences. But did you know, there’s a new way these points can be put to use by converting them into charitable donations? It’s like waving a magic wand over your points, turning them into weapons against inequity.
Sephora
Enter Sephora, the battalion of the beauty soldiers. The beauty legionaires at Sephora have added a twist to their loyalty program. The Beauty Insider points you gathered, can now be donated to the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). Yes, those very points you’ve been collecting for the perfumes, lipsticks, and whatnot.
To make a donation, just sign in, go on a little scroll, and voila! There’s your chance to contribute. It’s as easy as cherry pie. Just like adding a product to your cart and checking out. The only difference? Here, you’re adding to your karma. So, the more the merrier, right? But remember, only points from prior purchases are eligible, according to the fine print.
Your humble contribution will be channeled through the Tides Foundation, a lighthouse for the never-ending fight against racism, homophobia, and other biases against Black LGBTQ+ folks.
American Express (via JustGiving)
When it comes to charitable giving of points, American Express has been playing the field since dinosaurs! If you’re a Membership Rewards cardholder, you can donate using JustGiving, a global fundraising platform. Visit the site, find a cause like Black Lives Matter, and make sure your points are diving into the right pool. It’s good to remember, just because a cat has kittens in the oven, it doesn’t make ’em biscuits!
Hilton (via PointWorthy)
You know that feeling you get when you walk into the homey and warm embrace of a Hilton hotel? Well, you can give the same feeling to some folks in need with your Hilton Honors Points. Just visit www.pointworthy.com, search for the charity, specify how many points to give, and follow the steps. It’s as simple as apple pie, and twice as sweet.
Would you prefer donating cash?
A few Twitter users voiced hesitation when Sephora introduced its program. They argue that heavyweights like Sephora could give more – maybe by matching customer donations or making independent gifts. And they have a point. But let’s not forget, by donating your points, you’re not just helping important causes, but also saving those points that would otherwise go unused.
Know more ways to donate points? Don’t be a stranger, drop a mail at prachi.bhardwaj@ to share the details and we’ll update our story. After all, sharing is caring!