Sunday, April 6, 2008

BFE

If you search for BFE in Google or any acronym finder, you're likely to find that it means a "way out of the way place." -- rated PG-13 for language :-p

But for me, that was BK (before kids). Now, BFE means Boxtops For Education. General Mills started the program in 1996 in which they donate money to schools and other non-profits by having consumers return a special proof-of-purchase icon found on their products. Many other brands have joined the cause since then and the total donations so far top $200 million! The donations usually go toward the school's PTA or other school organizations that provide general funds for the students' education.

Here's the challenge... Print the list of participating BFE products. Tack it on the refrigerator or somewhere else visible. The next time you go to toss product packaging into the trash (or hopefully the recycling bin as most of these are on cardboard containers) take a look for the icon shown above. Clip it and put it in an envelope so it's safe (it's small and prone to loss if not secured). Every so often, send that envelope to a school that will then transform it into cash! If you know who I am, send it to me and I'll make sure that it gets to a good school, but if not, simply donate it to a local school in your area.
It doesn't cost you anything extra. You don't have to fill out any surveys. You don't have to give any of your personal information to who knows who. It doesn't take much time. Yeah, it may not be quite as rewarding as winning the state lottery (as if!) that claim to provide funds to the schools, but you're giving back in a real way.
Thanks!

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