Potential Magazine Winter 2015 - Florida Edition | Page 24

5 things 5 giving back for giving back It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Remember the real meaning behind the holiday season and share the love. These 5 apps make it easy and efficient to do some good by giving back. 1 2 3 4 5 L8 | 5 apps that give back We go caroling with a group that sings to elderly shut-ins. What starts out as an obligation turns into such a blessing for all involved. The evening always ends with smiles all around! — Liza Peterson, mom of Jacob, 17 and Preston, 14 Donate a Photo This app translates our endless photo sharing into donations. For every photo you share through the app, Johnson & Johnson gives $1 to your chosen cause. www.donateaphoto.com Instead A small donation can make a big difference. This app encourages users to make micro-donations (usually around $5) to different non-profits around the country “instead” of buying a latte and making other small purchases most of us take for granted every day. www.instead.com Charity Miles Get more out of your workout by giving. Turn your miles walked, run or biked into donations to the charity of your choice by using this app that logs your distance and then gives money on your behalf. Corporate sponsors partner with your movement to make it possible. www.charitymiles.org We choose a child from the Angel Tree at church and purchase something that they have asked Santa for, and we put together a Christmas box filled with all of the ingredients for a good holiday meal for a family in need. — Chris Kopf, mom of Sarah, 18, Molly, 17 and Laura, 14 We like to always make sure we give a holiday tip and a homemade treat to our trash collectors. They have a tough job and we like to let them know they are appreciated. — Christy and Dave Sowers, parents of Blake and Logan Every Thanksgiving and Christmas morning I take our two daughters to deliver for Meals on Wheels while my wife prepares our afternoon family meal at home. Budge Challenge This app takes daring to a whole new, and really nice, level. You make a competitive bet with friends—who can run fastest, who can eat the most peanuts, etc.—and when the loser pays up, the money goes straight to charity. thebudge.com — Seth Hayden, father of Kristen, 17 and Anna, 14 I love to take my guitar to a nursing home and play oldies music for the residents. They enjoy the company and really love hearing music from their era. — Blake Sowers, student at University of Mississippi One Today This Google app highlights the power of one, one dollar that is. The goal is to create a culture of giving by making it a habit. Like the other apps, you can pick the charity that inspires you. onetoday.google.com Winter 2015 families www.potentialmagazine.com