Seven Ways to give without breaking your budget

In these tough economic times every dollar counts, both in your budget and donations to non-profits. You want to give back to help improve lives and make your community a better place to live. Did you know you can do just that without stressing your budget.

Area businesses provide options to make charitable contributions based on percentages you spend or invest with them. Don’t forget online options that offer similar reward programs.

Below are the Top 7 ways to give to United Way and create opportunities of a better for everyone--without impacting your budget.

Pick ‘n Save: Advantage Saver’s Card: Specify 488233 on application or with customer service.

Kwik Trip: Kwik Card: Designate Marshfield Area United Way on application or with an inside cashier.

Marshfield Savings Bank: Charitable Money Market Account, Open account with Marshfield Savings Bank for a minimum of $500, designate Marshfield Area United Way.

GoodSearch for United Way: Search the internet and donate. Set GoodSearch as your default search engine, download the toolbar or simply bookmark www.goodsearch.com and use it for all your Internet searching needs.

Select United Way—Marshfield Area where it asks you to select an organization. Each search donates approximately one penny—Click here to start searching and earning money for United Way. You can also track our progress by clicking Amount Raised! In 2008, GoodSearch donated $44.65 to United Way.

GoodShop for United Way: From the creators of GoodSearch, GoodShop allows you to shop at your favorite online sites and stores (more than 700 available) and make a donation to United Way. Browse the list of stores on www.goodshop.com, select United Way—Marshfield Area, then click the store or company to shop with and you’ll be redirected to its site. Shops sites like Amazon, Avon, Best Buy, Macy’s and more.

Walk with a Purpose with Okobos Shoes: Okobos Shoes is a footwear company that is giving back through donations of $15 per shoe purchase. Visit www.okobos.com, at check out, enter UNITED in the promotional code box and Okobos will make a donation to United Way. The donation will be sent to the United Way assigned to serve your zip code.

Banks & Credit Cards: Earn reward points? Visit customer service or the Rewards section of your card’s web site to give to United Way!