The Giving Keys Pay It Forward

Mark Thompson READ TIME: 1 MIN.

As charitable accessories brand The Giving Keys knows, it is truly better to give than to receive. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, actress and all-around do-gooder Caitlin Crosby created The Giving Keys to inspire the community and instill positive change by the power of word.

After meeting a homeless couple on Hollywood Blvd. in late 2010, Caitlin fell in love with their hearts and likeminded spirit, and knew this couple was her missing link.

Cera and Rob would become Caitlin's business partners, confidants and ultimate source of inspiration. She wanted to help them by turning old, discarded keys into treasures by engraving inspirational words on them such as "love" "hope" and "strength."

The stamped keys are meant to inspire and positively motivate the wearer, whereby the piece is ultimately given away to a new wearer in need of the same message.

The homeless couple is now off the streets by way of transitional homes, as well as taking college classes. Far surpassing Caitlin's original goal, The Giving Keys is now able to pay it forward by employing nearly a dozen homeless men and women in partnership with United Way. The Giving Keys is helping these employees open their own bank accounts and learn about financial planning.

Celebrity supporters include AnnaLynne McCord, Ashley Greene, Emma Roberts, Joe Jonas, Kellan Lutz and Michelle Williams (who recently gave a key to her daughter, Matilda). The Giving Keys is available at over 200 stores internationally including Fred Segal, Kitson, Opening Ceremony and online at www.thegivingkeys.com.


by Mark Thompson , EDGE Style & Travel Editor

A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.

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