I believe as a Christian, I am called to give. I don’t think it matters much what you give to, which is why you won’t often see me promoting specific causes here. I believe it’s important to find a cause you are passionate about and put your heart, time and support behind it.

That being said, this will be one of the rare occasions I will promote a cause.

My friend Jaclyn is in the midst of a fundraiser for Autism Awareness Month. For each of these necklaces she sells from here on out, she will donate $5 to a group called Autism Speaks, the U.S.’s largest group for the treatment, research and cure for autism. She’ll also be donating a portion of her other sales to the group during the month of April, so take a look around her shop.

Read the story of Jaclyn and her brother, Joey, on her blog.

So why’d I make an exception for this cause?

1. She’s a dear friend.

2. Her story is about more than just raising money for a cause — Jaclyn’s experience with Joey has very much become the foundation of her faith, more on that to come.

3. This project is a great example of how we can raise awareness and funds for causes we are passionate about. I think it’s easy to feel indifferent or apathetic. But this proves there are so many creative ways we can get involved. So check out Jaclyn’s story and get inspired.