How Supermodels and NYC Designers are Giving Back During the Holidays

Last night at Milk Studios, supermodel-turned-philanthropist Coco Rocha -- who recently told Thread about her knockout gems for charity organization, Senhoa -- hosted a stylish screening of her film, "Letters to Haiti," which documents Coco and fellow model Behati Prinsloo's excursion to post-earthquake Haiti.

Directed by her husband, James Conran, along with filmmaker Gilbert Le, the film follows the girls as they distribute supplies, toys, and -- perhaps most affectingly -- letters of friendship and support from children all over the world.

Coco's good work got us to wondering about the different ways fashion folks are giving back this holiday season, and we were astonished by the wide range of projects and charitable efforts we heard described on the red carpet prior to the screening.

Rebecca Minkoff, for example, makes a point to donate to the Earth Organization -- a not-for-profit charity that protects biodiversity and ecosystems throughout the world -- each holiday season, while Hilary Rhoda is a longtime supporter of causes benefiting cancer victims and new research.

Working with kids was a recurring theme in most attendees' responses. For example, model Luciana Curtis works with the educational program, Brazil Foundation, in her native Brasilia. "I think we have to give back all year, because there are so many people less fortunate than we are here in New York City," she told us. "Whatever you can do ... even if it's just giving ten dollars a month to a cause you believe in, you should do it -- and just don't go out for dinner once a week."

Karlie Kloss said that Coco's dedicated efforts in Haiti have inspired her to take on more philanthropic causes. "Seeing these girls and all the incredible work that they've done -- how could anyone not be motivated to get more involved and give something back?"

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