With all the latest technology, it will come as no surprise to most people to find that there is a way to shop online, or by using a internet search engine, and give to a favorite charity at the same time.

IGive.com began in 1997 and through word of mouth has grown to more than 300,000 members supporting 49,000 causes/charities and have raised almost $5,000,000. There are more than 750 stores, such as Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, ebay, Best Buy, Gap and QVC, who are participating. There is no cost, obligations or any hidden fees.

When the IGive search engine is used for internet searching, the customer’s favorite cause receives $0.01 (or more) per qualified search. They money comes from advertisers and cost the customer nothing.

Jean Hackman, director of the West Escambia County Red Cross has suggested that this is one way to contribute to the Red Cross, or any favorite charity or cause.

“Of course, I would like for everyone to contribute to the Red Cross,” Hackman said. “If they have another charity they wish to use, it would still be helping someone.”

When the customer starts with IGive, the stores automatically send the needed information (order amount, order date. and the customer’s ID number, which identifies the user to IGive, but not the store) so the donation may be tracked to the designated cause.

According to the internet, IGive mails checks monthly. They calculate the funds due to the cause that happened approximately 75 days ago. That allows enough time for returns to be reported and for the advertisers to pay IGive