Raise your hand if you have known someone affected by breast cancer. I’m willing to bet just about all of us have our hands raised in painful unison. Watching my aunt die from breast cancer when I was a teenager was heart wrenching. Knowing what she went through was hard enough, but having to watch my uncle, cousins, and my mom mourn her loss with such sadness was terrible. Breast cancer affects us all; families, relatives, friends… and it needs to be erased.
Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some ways that you can help support breast cancer research without spending any extra cash.
Although I’d like to, I haven’t got a whole lot of extra funds to donate to causes I believe in; but I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t mean I can’t help. All throughout the month of October there are several companies selling products whose proceeds will benefit breast cancer research, and many of the products are things I buy on a regular basis. So while I might not purchase a pink leather jacket with an embroidered ribbon on the back of it for $300 to benefit the cause, I would purchase some chapstick, a product I use all the time.
If it’s something you would normally buy anyway, why not purchase it this month and do a whole lot of good with your money? Here are some of the products that I know aren’t out of the ordinary for me to purchase, and maybe they aren’t for you either.
Food:
Mushrooms
From mid-September through mid-November, the Mushroom Council will support City of Hope’s breast cancer research, treatment and education programs with a contribution up to $50,000. Just pick up a pink package of mushrooms!
Healthy Ones deli meat
Healthy Ones deli meat will donate $0.05 per retail tub or lb. purchase, up to $50,000
Office Products:
The downside of working from home is that I don’t have a super-awesome supply cabinet to run to when I am out of something. So I have to keep my own small stock of supplies. I buy some of this stuff all the time.
3M Scotch Pink Office Products
Pick up one of Scotch® by 3M’s specially marked pink tape dispensers, packing materials or scissors at your local office supply store and Scotch will donate up to $100,000 from now through the end of 2011.
OfficeMate
Products include clipboards, clipboard storage box, antimicrobial standard and kids scissors, stapler kit, staples, antimicrobial 3-hole punch, paper clips, easy-grip binder clips, magnets, push pins, cubicle clips. OfficeMate will give $0.10 – $0.50 to research, depending on the product.
Mead Daily Planners
Mead will donate a portion of proceeds to City of Hope. Since 2008, Mead has donated over $1 million to City of Hope for breast cancer research, treatment and education.
Beauty Products:
Chapstick 3-Pack, $3.99
I don’t buy a whole lot of beauty products, but one thing I am obsessed with is Chapstick. I have one on my desk, one in my bedroom, one in the bathroom, and one in my purse. I can’t stand dry lips. Is it just me? Ok, maybe it’s my weird little thing. Anyway, since I keep stock in this, no reason I can’t pick some up this month. $125,000 from the proceeds benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Gifts:
With Christmas coming up, why not use the gifts you purchase to give back to breast cancer research? There are a couple of great options:
John Lennon “Imagine” T-shirt $21.95
50% of the proceeds from this shirt and other limited edition tees go to support breast cancer research through the City of Hope Foundation. That’s a huge percentage!! My husband would love this t-shirt.
Women’s Uggs in Chestnut $149
Know of a certain daughter who’s begging for a pair of Uggs this Christmas? 5% of the purchase price will be donated to City of Hope. My daughter’s not old enough to ask for them, so perhaps I’ll just buy them for myself, instead…
Needham Lane Sasha Pajamas $61
PJ’s always make a great gift, especially when they’re top quality! Made of soft 100% cotton poplin, Needham Lane pajamas get softer with every washing. PJs have button-front top with notched collar and side vents at hem for a comforting fit. 15% of proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Snapfish Personalized Photo Calendars $18.99-$34.99
Photo calendars make great holiday gifts for grandparents, aunts & uncles, and even spouses. 30% of all proceeds from Photo Calendar sales benefits BreastCancer.org — plus, each calendar includes three sets of self-exam reminder stickers. You can also stretch your dollar with some of these great deals for October:
Free Shipping and 25% Off entire Site Code: FSN25 From:10/6-10/11
Free Shipping on $30 purchase Code: FSOCT30 10/1-10/31
Link Parties: