Photo taken by: Courtnee Cesta / Managing Editor
COURTNEE CESTA
Managing Editor
Supporting a local charity is as easy as buying things online. Amazon has launched a donation program they’re calling “AmazonSmile,” which supports charitable organizations at no extra cost for the customer. It’s the same online buying experience Amazon has always provided, but going through AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) donates .5 percent of your purchase — and in some cases, an additional $5, to a select organization of your choosing.
There are several spotlight charities to choose from, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project and the World Wildlife Fund. A quick search, though, reveals specific charities in the area.
Karene Gora, the dog area manager at the Lakeshore Humane Society, signed the shelter up for the program earlier this year.
“Every little bit helps. And AmazonSmile is a great way to donate without having to really give anything extra,” Gora said. “We’ve benefited a small amount from the program, but I don’t think many people know about it yet.”
A quick survey around the Fredonia campus revealed a general consensus of the lack of knowledge of AmazonSmile. It also uncovered a new way of online shopping for many students.
Liberal arts major Patricia Weaver says she shops on Amazon for everything from Christmas presents to clothes and school supplies. She’s says that although she’s never used the company’s charitable program before, it’s a great way to give back.
“.5 percent may not sound like a lot of money, and for a lot of purchases, it’s not,” Weaver said. “But as students, we often spend $200 on textbooks alone so there’s $1 right there. Imagine if everyone on the campus gave that dollar to a local charity. That adds up.”
It’s as simple as going to AmazonSmile and selecting a non-profit. Once a customer has selected an organization on their first visit, Amazon will donate from that point forward or until the customer chooses a different charity. The shopping process involves the same low prices, vast selection and select free shipping as always — the only thing to remember is to type smile.amazon.com into the browser.
AmazonSmile features about one million nonprofits nationwide, and more than 75 in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. There is even a list specific to organizations on the Fredonia campus, including the Student Association, the Fredonia College Foundation and the Alumni Association.
According to Amazon, the online giant has donated millions of dollars to tens of thousands of charities across the country through the program.
Go to org.amazon.com to learn how to register your organization to receive donations
SIDE BAR QUOTES:
“Why not? It won’t cost any more money from your pocket.” Stephanie Tefft
“We all shop online nowadays, and it’s not like it’s some kind of inconvenience. Eventually, every little bit adds up.” Liza Feola
“It’s something that should be available in all sites that have online shopping.” Chevon James
“The money’s at least going somewhere else and it’s free. It makes you feel like you’re making an impact.” Eann Robinson