ChipIn® to support Suicide Prevention programs!

It’s the economy! Or is it? Every day, media sources describe, in exquisite detail, our tough economic times. But I am encouraged by some of the positive signs I’m hearing that the worst may be behind us. I am also a firm believer in the power of Karma…putting good energy into the universe that finds its way back to me in ways I never imagined. Sometimes just a kind word is enough to keep the positive benefits flowing. With that said, supporting causes we care about is more important than ever. When financial hard times hit, most everyone will instinctively cut back on “discretionary” spending, which often includes charitable donations. Organizations, who serve those in need, need CASH. And every little bit adds up.

ChipIn® is a cool resource I found to collect all the “bits”.  Each month, I'll set up a ChipIn widget and set a goal of least $300 for each month's cause.  Here are some ideas on how to “scrape up” your spare change to support the Suicide Prevention work done by Working Minds, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. See yesterday’s post for details about the work done by each organization.   Pick one (or more!) that resonate with you.

• Donate the cost of 1 cup of Starbucks or your favorite beverage to ChipIn. For the true SBUX junkies (like me!) do it once per week!
• Save your spare pocket change. Every night, empty your pockets, wallet, coin purse, etc., into a designated container. I have a rice bowl (good feng shui!) but you can use just about any vessel. Every Sunday, this month, add it up and donate that amount to ChipIn.
• Recycling. If your state has a redemption fee for water/soda bottles and aluminum cans, this is an easy way to raise money and be “green”. Have everyone you know save their soda and water bottles/cans in large 33 gal garbage bags. You can offer to pick up the collection or ask friends to drop them off on a designated weekend. Then take all of the bags to your local recycler and collect the fee and donate the amount to ChipIn.
• Check the sofa cushions, ashtrays, under the car seats, jean pockets, bottom of the handbag, or anywhere spare change “gathers” in your world. This is a GREAT project for youngsters!
• Tweet this post and encourage your friends to donate their spare change.
• Hold a garage sale and dedicate 15% of the proceeds to this cause. Moves the Chi in your life and makes room for new abundance in your life.
• Remember to post links to this page to your Facebook and MySpace accounts to share with family and friends. Feel free to tweet away!

What’s your idea!? Share your thoughts on collecting/saving spare change to make a difference.  To encourage creativity, every suggestion posted by midnight PST on 9/30/2009 will be entered into a drawing. On October 1st, I'll draw from the entries and the winner will receive a pair of crystal Heart of Hope earrings!  Good luck!!

By collecing and donating the loose change we (collectively) have lying around we can re-circulate the cash and create some good economic Karma! Check back regularly to see how we’re doing!