Banish the Grinch: LivingSocial to Donate 1 Percent of All Purchases to Toys for Tots, GlobalGiving Through 12 Days of Giving

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With every purchase, LivingSocial members will be giving an extra gift to charity this year through LivingSocial's third annual 12 Days of Giving program. Starting today and extending through December 16th, LivingSocial will donate one percent of the proceeds from every daily deal purchased in the U.S. to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Additionally, LivingSocial will donate one percent of proceeds from daily deals in select international markets to support projects that are part of the GlobalGiving community.

"For the third year in a row, our 12 Days of Giving program will help improve the lives of those in need throughout the U.S. and internationally," said Jake Maas, Senior Vice President of Consumer Businesses for LivingSocial. "As a company dedicated to local commerce, we're excited to be working with worthy organizations that can directly help local communities, so part of the money you spend on great deals in your hometown goes to a charity doing great work for those in need in your hometown."

In keeping with LivingSocial's global presence, the company has partnered with two charity organizations dedicated to grassroots giving. In the U.S., LivingSocial will support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a charity that delivers not just new toys, but a message of hope to less-fortunate children. Money raised in Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, Dubai and Lebanon will benefit projects vetted by GlobalGiving, an organization connecting people with local causes and projects in over 100 countries. During the 12 Days of Giving, LivingSocial will support GlobalGiving projects in participating countries based on the total proceeds from Daily Deals sold. 

"Currently 16 million U.S. children live in poverty," said Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), president and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Partnering with LivingSocial will enable us to provide a brighter Christmas holiday season for many additional children this year, as donations from LivingSocial members' purchases will reach down to the local communities that need our help."

The U.S. partnership with Toys for Tots marks the second time this season LivingSocial is supporting the organization. In November, Toys for Tots participated in its first-ever daily deal, which was matched by generous contributions by Toys for Tots corporate partners.

"By engaging its members around the globe, LivingSocial continues to  support important causes internationally," said Donna Callejon, Chief Business Officer for GlobalGiving. "Projects being supported by LivingSocial range from making wishes come true for sick children in France to funding ongoing rebuilding after the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand."

Holiday Gifting Made Easier
In addition to making holiday charitable giving easier, LivingSocial is unveiling two new programs that eliminate other gifting headaches. Throughout the holidays and beyond, members can use Gift Wrap for any LivingSocial deal they would like to gift to someone. For an additional $2.99* LivingSocial will beautifully print and package the gifted voucher, which includes a personal message from the gift giver, and will send it directly to the gift recipient.

The company's newly-launched Gift Box is a complete restaurant ($49), spa ($99) or travel ($199) experience in a box and available in certain U.S. markets. Each box contains a variety of offers from merchants in a specific category from which a recipient can choose one to experience. It is the perfect gift providing gift givers peace of mind knowing they've given a complete gifted experience in a specific category the recipient will love. 

*Gift Wrap delivery charges may change due to expedited shipping rates closer to 12/25/11.

About LivingSocial
LivingSocial helps people around the world find, share and enjoy great local deals and new experiences. We'll help you get more out of your city. Through its daily deal e-mails and alerts, LivingSocial introduces members to handpicked local businesses, products or services each day at significant savings. With a range of products for different interests, like Families and Adventures, LivingSocial helps delight members with the perfect deal for them. Other services include LivingSocial Escapes, which features easy "vacations in a box" to leading destinations, and LivingSocial Instant, which helps members discover real-time discounts at nearby restaurants, stores and businesses. LivingSocial works with each merchant partner to create customized marketing solutions that attract and retain loyal, long-term customers. Based in Washington, D.C., LivingSocial now has more than 46 million members in 25 countries.

About GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org) enables individuals and organizations to find and direct funds to high-impact, grassroots projects. By aggregating many donors, GlobalGiving is creating a new source of funding for organizations with innovative solutions to challenging world issues. Corporate partners include Pepsi, Discovery Communications, Gap, Inc., Ford Motor Company, and Nike, among others. To date the GlobalGiving community has made over $54 million in contributions to nearly 5,000 projects around the world.

About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 65th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season.  Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition, and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the books, games, and sports equipment that we provide as gifts make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children.   In 2010, Marines distributed toys to more than 7.2 million children who might not have otherwise experienced the magic of the Christmas holiday season.

SOURCE LivingSocial