Watching your figure during this time of savory bliss could be benefiting more than just you— it could mean charity. Several smartphone apps have emerged that incorporate philanthropy into everyday activities. The most popular revolves around exercise— some aren’t asking anything from your wallet.
Charity Miles is one of the latest apps trying to encourage outreach in this way. The company helps users give reason to activities they already do. They simply download the free app, choose a charity to donate to and begin moving. The app tracks running, walking and biking activities that earn between 10 to 25 cents a mile, which go to one of nine charities to choose from, including Autism Speaks, Feeding America and Habitat for Humanity.
Once a workout is complete, the funds are donated by corporate sponsors. Users just have to share their activity on Facebook and Twitter. Company founder Gene Gurkoff told Mashable, “Nobody walks for charity in secret; it’s something you do to make a statement and raise awareness. That has a very valuable market.”
Plus 3 Mobile is another app that will monetize your determination to start your New Years’ resolution and for a good cause. This particular program also has the ability to track activities such as weight training and Zumba.
Outside the fitness world, and for those willing to donate more time, this season is rife with opportunities. At California State University, Stanislaus, ASI and USU have teamed up to create “Project Giving Tree.” Between Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, the campus community can stop by the Warrior Activities Center (WAC) and select from one of many second graders’ wish lists decorating the holiday tree.
To donate a fluffy friend, Modesto Gospel Mission has boxes available in the WAC as well. Stuffed animals can be brought in until Dec. 19 and will go to children at the Modesto Gospel Mission and Parent Resource Center this Christmas. Turlock Together, a local voluntary corporation asking for toy donations for children ages 3 to 12, has also placed blue bins in the WAC as well as around campus.
The blue barrels at CSU Stanislaus are only a few of 150 spread around the community. The group is seeking volunteers to help sort through toys and food collected in the drive between Dec. 1 and Dec. 20. It is estimated that the group gives about 2,000 families dinner and toys every year between the many community members and church groups that contribute.
To find local volunteer opportunities, volunteermatch.org is a charity search engine. The site enables searches filtered by proximity and even enables selection of interests, such as animals, tutoring and board development. Resources such as this one find on-going projects and events, sharing ways to spread the seasonal spirit of giving all year long.
For more information on Project Giving Tree, contact Jennifer Teicheira at (209) 667-3834. To volunteer with Turlock Together contact Bob McCune at (209) 678- 5333.