A New Way to Give Charity

If there’s one thing COLlive readers have become known for, it’s the power of a worldwide community of thousands.

Whether it’s to raise awareness of causes, collect funds for those in need, or to harness the collective power in voting competitions, our thousands of readers worldwide know that together we can make a big difference.

Unfortunately our community has seen its share of tragedies and hardships in the past year, and needy individuals and organizations abound.

That’s why COLlive has partnered with eCharityBox, the world’s first virtual charity box that can be used on a computer or cellphone and acts as an actual charity box.

COLlive readers now have the opportunity to join with the entire online community to donate together, to make a big difference.

eCharityBox, developed by Lubavitcher Getzy Fellig of Crown Heights, is a system which makes giving tzedakah easy and convenient.

“So often, we plan to write a check to tzedaka, but our lives are so hectic that it just doesn’t happen,” says Fellig. “With eCharityBox you can make that donation with just a few simple clicks.”

“If each of us gave .18 cents a day – which is only $5.40 per month – think of how many could be helped,” he says.

COLlive eCharitybox users can sign up to make a daily charity donation of .18 cents, .54 cents or $1.00.

Each month, COLlive will choose one organization to recieve the donations from that month. These will be local organizations, giving to the needy in our own community – our neighbors, relatives and friends.

At the end of each month, that month’s charity will receive the donations.

With eCharityBox you can give tzedakah right from your desktop at home, work or even on your iPhone and Blackberry. Once you sign up, you can choose to donate once a day, once a week, once a month, or whenever you choose.

How Does it Work?
The system is simple. The user downloads the eCharityBox application from COLlive.com. After creating a login, the user provides the appropriate financial information to eCharityBox’s secure system. Donations can be made manually, with the user donating any amount, ranging from just a few cents to much larger amounts at any time, or can be customized to automatically donate pre-selected amounts.

When the predetermined limit for the charity box has been reached, the user’s credit card is charged and the donation is sent to the charity. The user receives a receipt for their tax deductible donation and the money is sent via electronic funds transfer or check.

The application runs on Windows XP/Vista and Mac OSx and can also be downloaded to Blackberry, iPhone or any other cell phone.

COLlive and eCharityBox (still in Beta mode) are donating the service, the only fee will be for credit card processing.

This month’s organization will be the famed C.S.S.Y. – Chevra Simchas Shabbos V’Yom Tov.

Chevra Simchas Shabbos V’Yom Tov has been serving the Crown Heights community for over 31 years. Founded by Shimshon and Martha Stock obm, the organization discreetly provides funds, food and support 365 days a year.

Sign up today for eCharitybox and help this vital organization.

If everyone gives even a little, it will add up to a lot. Together, COLlive readers can make a big difference.

Sign up now.

How to set up your COLlive eCharityBox

Auto-Give

Once your complete the registration process and access your eCharityBox, click on the “Giving” tab. Select Auto > How Often? > Daily then select your desired donation amount click “Submit”. Now your eCharityBox will automatically deposit this amount of change into your eCharityBox. Once the box is full, your credit card will be charged and the box emptied.

Manual Give

To make a manual donation at anytime, click “Empty Box” on your eCharityBox. Edit the donation amount and submit.

Once you sign up to participate in monthly giving, the donation will automatically be deducted. You may cancel at any time.