RXFundraising Blog
November 20, 2024
RewardX Fundraising is more than a platform allowing you to raise money for your favorite nonprofit by doing your daily shopping. We are working hard to help said nonprofits gain more supporters and attention for what they’re doing. One way we're going to achieve this is by conducting "get to know us" interviews with various organizations. As a (potential) supporter, these will allow you to discover some great causes that don’t get a lot of attention from national media etc. These nonprofits often work on a community level, and can always use extra funds to continue helping others.
Today, we are meeting Ansel Santosa from Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary, who was happy to answer some questions so we get to know more about this amazing nonprofit.
Where many nonprofits focus on people or the environment, Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary is committed to saving the lives of animals. That's why we've chosen to put them in the spotlight as the first feature in our new blog series, presenting nonprofits making a unique impact.
About the founders
Ansel Santosa is the Secretary Treasurer and one of the founders of Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary. 6 years ago, he founded the nonprofit with his wife. She focuses on physical infrastructure and maintenance. Ansel focusses on bookkeeping, fundraising, marketing, and administration. They both take care of the animals.
When I asked Ansel what kept him motivated in this work, his answer was very clear: “The animals! Every day we wake up and there are animals in need. There is nothing more motivating that saving a life and we are very fortunate that's something we get to do on a regular basis”
About the organization
“Ballydídean rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes farmed animals who are unwanted, neglected, or abused. Through tours and community education, we give people the chance to make friends with animals they typically only meet on their dinner plate, giving them an opportunity to rethink their relationship with farmed animals. My wife and I started this organization because we always felt strongly about animal rights and welfare, specifically those that are exploited by the food system and we wanted to make a difference both by saving lives and educating people.”
“We serve the acute suffering of unwanted, neglected, and abused farmed animals all over the Pacific Northwest by taking in strays, dumped animals, private surrenders, and referrals through law enforcement, humane societies, and other regional partners.”
They believe that exposure equals empathy, so by presenting them to you on this blog, we are hoping to help them get an important message across.
How RewardX Fundraising can help nonprofits like Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary
"Many of our supporters are looking for new ways to support us. RewardX Fundraising is one great way that people can support us by just doing their normal shopping.”
Small or local organizations often struggle to find supporters and funds, especially because they don’t have a lot of time or the means to work on communication and fundraising events. RewardX Fundraising allows anyone in the U.S.A. to raise funds for these nonprofits by doing their daily shopping.
Their fundraising goals
As a (potential) supporter, you might want to know more about how the donated money will be used. Ansel explained their current fundraising goals:
“We are currently trying to raise $20k to build a "heavy use area" for our rescued cows. It's a combination of drainage projects, gutters, fences, and specialized ground cover designed in partnership with the Island County Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.”
And here’s why they are working hard on this huge project:
“Constructing this area will preserve our historic barn, improve the health of the cows by keeping their hooves drier throughout the winter, and prevent any animal waste runoff from affecting the protected wetland near our property. Federal grants will reimburse much of the cost once the project is complete so not only will funding enable its construction but the money will get to be used again for animal care expenses like feed and veterinary care.”
The organization’s long-term goals
Like all organizations, Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary has important long-term goals, and they rely on funding to bring these visions to life. Their mission for the future drives their efforts today, aiming to create lasting change for animals in need.
“We are currently home to 130 rescued residents. We want to continue their care and also continue our foster and adoption efforts to maximize the number of lives we can save. We would like to expand our education programs to more preschools, elementary schools, and high schools as well as add summer camps to bring more kids to interact with and learn about the animals.”
Teaching the next generations about animal welfare might be one of the best ways to improve the way humans treat animals in the future. We hope the sanctuary will be able to attain their goals.
A few more questions…
Can you walk us through a few specific initiatives or projects that these funds will directly support?
Over the next year or two we are also looking to invest in a "pig lift" which would help us safely provide hoof trims and other medical care to pigs, sheep, and goats with less stress than other restraint methods.
Over the next year or two we are also looking to invest in a "pig lift" which would help us safely provide hoof trims and other medical care to pigs, sheep, and goats with less stress than other restraint methods.
Are there any upcoming events, campaigns, or programs that supporters can get involved in, besides raising money?
For local supporters, we have a volunteer work party on the 3rd Sunday of every month. They can get involved at https://ballydidean.farm/volunteer or sign up to take a farm tour at https://ballydidean.farm/visit
What's one thing you wish more people knew about your organization or the cause?
Visitors are often surprised to learn how much personality chickens, cows, goats, sheep, and other farmed animals have. "They're just like dogs!" is something we hear on almost every tour. It's so easy to imagine that animals you have never met are stupid, mean, or otherwise "deserving" of what humans do to them. But it's also so easy to see after just meeting one of those animals for a few minutes that they are kind, curious, trusting, and in every way deserving of the same empathy consistently afforded to cats, dogs, and horses.
Thank you Ansel for taking the time to tell us about Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary and using RewardX Fundraising!
Become a supporter for Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary
Making a difference for a nonprofit like Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary has never been easier. Sign up on our website and become a supporter to help Ansel and his wife take care of all these animals.
If you’re already a RewardX Fundraiser supporter, you can now change the nonprofit you’re supporting by logging in on our website. This allows you to help several organizations, one each month for example. It’s up to you how many you support and when.
Do you want your nonprofit to be featured on our blog?
Are you a dedicated volunteer or the owner of a nonprofit using RewardX Fundraising to make a difference? We'd love to hear your story! Reach out to us at editor@rxfundraising.com to be featured in our next blog and inspire others with your impact.
October 17, 2024
Teaching kids about helping others is one of the most important lessons we can pass on as parents. It allows them to grow up with a stronger sense of compassion, empathy, and responsibility. One simple way to teach this lesson is by incorporating it into your daily routines, like when you use RewardX Fundraising to earn money for a nonprofit while shopping at Rite Aid.
Through our platform, RewardX Fundraising, families can give back without spending any extra money. By signing up with RewardX Fundraising and linking your account with the Rite Aid loyalty program, 1.5% of the total amount of your purchases will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice. It's a wonderful way to support causes you care about while doing your everyday shopping. And the best part? You’re showing your kids how easy it can be to help others, even when money is tight.
Why should we teach children about being charitable?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that some people are struggling. But overall, children are very selfless. They want to help people and make them smile. That’s why it’s so important to start teaching them about charitable acts at a young age, when they don’t mind spending time on doing something good for others.
When we teach kids about the importance of helping others, it fosters a sense of community that is often lacking in today’s world. They learn that no matter how small their actions might seem, they can make a real difference in someone’s life. And the earlier we start instilling these values, the more likely they’ll carry them forward into adulthood.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that some people are struggling. But overall, children are very selfless. They want to help people and make them smile. That’s why it’s so important to start teaching them about charitable acts at a young age, when they don’t mind spending time on doing something good for others.
When we teach kids about the importance of helping others, it fosters a sense of community that is often lacking in today’s world. They learn that no matter how small their actions might seem, they can make a real difference in someone’s life. And the earlier we start instilling these values, the more likely they’ll carry them forward into adulthood.
How RewardX Fundraising makes teaching kids about charities and donations easy
Giving back doesn’t always mean donating money out of pocket. For many families, that may not be an option. With RewardX Fundraising, you can support your favorite nonprofit organization by shopping at Rite Aid. After signing up, every time you make a purchase, Rite Aid donates 1.5% of the total amount to the nonprofit of your choice via our platform. Whether it’s your child’s school, a local animal shelter, or a health-related cause, this simple act of shopping can make a big difference over time.
By including your kids in this process, they can see firsthand how small and everyday actions can have a positive impact on the community. It's an easy and meaningful way to reinforce the idea of giving back.
They will quickly understand that you don’t have to be rich or spend a lot of time in order to do something nice for others. Being charitable can be very easy and doesn’t have to be time consuming at all.
Other ways to teach kids about helping others
Of course, there are many ways you can teach your children to give back, regardless of their age. Here are a few ideas that are simple and impactful:
Of course, there are many ways you can teach your children to give back, regardless of their age. Here are a few ideas that are simple and impactful:
For younger children:
- Donate old toys: Encourage your kids to go through their old toys and select some that they no longer play with to donate to children in need. Explain how another child who doesn’t have as many toys will be so happy to have something new to play with.
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Simple acts of kindness: Younger kids can help in small ways, like holding the door for someone or bringing a fruit basket to a sick neighbor. These little acts build a foundation for understanding kindness.
For tweens:
- Volunteer together: Many communities have family-friendly volunteer opportunities. Look for local events like park clean-ups or community food drives that you and your child can participate in together.
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Help neighbors: If a neighbor has an injury or is elderly, ask your kids to help out with tasks like walking their dog or carrying their groceries. These small gestures make a big difference in someone’s day.
For teens:
- Organize a fundraiser: If your teen has a passion for a particular cause, encourage them to organize a fundraiser or donate their time to help. Whether it’s baking cookies for a bake sale or organizing a charity car wash, these experiences can be eye-opening and rewarding.
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Assist in shelters or food banks: Teenagers are often old enough to volunteer at local shelters or food banks. This hands-on experience shows them the direct impact they can have in the lives of others, while helping them understand broader social issues.
Getting involved together
Children learn best when something is fun or relatable. That’s why it’s a great idea to do something nice for others as a family. As your kids get older, they might invite their friends along to spend a day helping at a local food bank, or maybe they’ll teach their younger siblings about different ways to be helpful or charitable.
The best part about teaching kids to give back is that it’s something the whole family can do together. Whether it’s through programs like RewardX Fundraising, volunteering as a group, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor, there are countless opportunities to weave generosity into your family’s everyday life. You don’t need to have a lot of money or time to make a difference, all it takes is a little effort and the desire to help.
By adding a few of these charitable acts to your family’s routine, you’re creating a sense of community and empathy in your children that will last a lifetime. So before you head to Rite Aid for your next shopping trip, don’t forget to sign up with RewardX Fundraising and show your kids just how easy it is to make a positive impact.
October 04, 2024
Many people would like to donate money to charity or a nonprofit, but don’t have the financial means to do so. Others simply don’t have the time to figure out how to make a donation, or which cause to support with their hard-earned money.
Rewards Fundraising has the solution: a platform allowing you to support a cause of your choosing, without donating your own money. All you have to do is shop at Rite Aid. Let’s explain how it all works.
Our partnership with Rite Aid - Turning small purchases into meaningful donations
Sometimes, you just pick up a few essentials like ballpoint pens and a snack at Rite Aid, the next week you might stock up on diapers and various household items. The beauty of RewardX Fundraising is that every single purchase, no matter how small, makes a difference. Even if you just spend a dollar, a percentage will go to the organization of your choosing.
But you’re not the one paying for that donation. You won’t pay anything more than the total price of the items in your cart.
While 1.5% of a few dollars might not seem like a lot, those small amounts add up quickly when many people are involved. An organization can accumulate a meaningful donation over time thanks to all our supporters.
For example, several schools have raised a few hundred dollars through RewardX Fundraising, allowing them to purchase a new computer or sports equipment, or help out a student in need.By simply shopping at Rite Aid, you have the power to make a real difference in your community!
Also read this post:
Boost Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Efforts with RewardX Fundraising
While 1.5% of a few dollars might not seem like a lot, those small amounts add up quickly when many people are involved. An organization can accumulate a meaningful donation over time thanks to all our supporters.
For example, several schools have raised a few hundred dollars through RewardX Fundraising, allowing them to purchase a new computer or sports equipment, or help out a student in need.By simply shopping at Rite Aid, you have the power to make a real difference in your community!
Every cent counts
1.5% of your spending will be donated to the cause you've chosen. This might seem like a small amount, but there are a few things you shouldn’t forget:
- You don’t have to spend a single extra cent out of pocket.
- Many people donate to the same cause, so it adds up quickly!
- For many small organizations, a little money goes a long way. They know how to stretch a dollar and make it count.
- It’s all about the collective effort. If the entire PTA of your kid’s school becomes a supporter, you’ll be able to raise a lot of money for the school’s clubs for instance.
Spread the word and amplify your impact
If you want to create an even bigger impact, talk about RewardX Fundraising with your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone who will listen. And why not create a post on your social media profile? Spending a few minutes talking about our platform, and how easy it is to make a difference in your community, will motivate others to create an account and start raising money for a local cause.
Let’s join forces
We offer a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to raise money for a cause of your choosing. Now, let's join forces to spread the word and encourage as many people as possible to support nonprofits in their community.
FAQ
Where does the donated money come from?
RewardX Fundraising has an amazing partnership with Rite Aid. They donate 1.5% of the amount you spend to the cause of your choosing, via RewardX Fundraising. This means that you, as a supporter, don’t pay an extra cent out of pocket.
September 24, 2024
If you’re a volunteer at a local nonprofit, you probably know it’s a real struggle to get the necessary funds. Small nonprofits often have to rely on private donations and small fundraising events, which take a lot of time and effort to organize and coordinate.
RewardX Fundraising is here to help nonprofits like yours! Thanks to our partnership with Rite Aid, getting those extra financial resources has become very easy.
Let me explain how it all works.
What is RewardX Fundraising?
RewardX Fundraising is an innovative platform designed to help nonprofits raise money without asking for direct donations from their supporters and community members. By simply shopping at Rite Aid, either online or in-store, one can raise funds for a nonprofit of their choice. Rite Aid will donate 1.5% of the amount spent to the selected nonprofit. The supporter doesn’t have to pay anything out of pocket for the donation. They simply do their normal shopping, and your nonprofit receives the funds.
Two minutes of your time for a big impact
Signing up takes two minutes, and you’ll be able to raise money for your nonprofit right away.
As a volunteer, you know how far a single dollar can be stretched. So you know that 1.5% of all of your Rite Aid purchases could really make a difference. With a few dollars, you could serve someone in need a hot meal, buy pens for a child whose parents can’t afford all those expensive school supplies, or feed an animal in a shelter.
Two minutes of your time could really make a difference.
How does raising funds with RewardX Fundraising work?
- Sign up: The first step is to sign up on our website. Registration is quick and easy.
- Sign up for Rite Aid Rewards: You need to be a member of the Rite Aid loyalty program to be able to raise funds for your nonprofit.
- Choose your nonprofit: Select the nonprofit you wish to support. This could be the one for which you volunteer, or any other.
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Shop at Rite Aid: Now comes the easy part, shop! Every time you shop at Rite Aid, whether online or in one of their stores, 1.5% of your purchase will go to your chosen nonprofit. The only thing you have to do is share your phone number (used when signing up) during checkout.
Tips to maximize your nonprofit's fundraising through RewardX Fundraising
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Turn it into a team effort: During your next meeting, explain how RewardX Fundraising works and how easy it is for people to get involved. Every volunteer can sign up, and once they’ve experienced how easy it is, they will talk about it with their family and friends.
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Stay in touch with your community: Use your nonprofit’s social media channels, events, flyers and all other forms of communication to spread the word. When you explain how even small contributions make a difference, people in your community will be encouraged to sign up and help you raise money by shopping at Rite Aid.
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Be transparent: People love to see the impact they’re making. Share updates on how much has been raised through RewardX Fundraising and even more important: how that money made a difference for your nonprofit.
Why use RewardX Fundraising?
RewardX Fundraising is an excellent choice for volunteers who want to make a difference for their nonprofit without having to ask people for direct donations. Here are some key benefits:
1. Effortless fundraising
Many people want to support a nonprofit but find it hard to contribute financially, or just don’t have the time. RewardX Fundraising allows them to support your nonprofit by doing their everyday shopping.
2. No cost to supporters
One of the hardest parts of fundraising is having to ask people for money, even though you know they might be struggling financially themselves. With our platform, there's no additional cost to the supporter. They simply shop at Rite Aid, and the donation is made on their behalf.
Someone with little money to spare can now support a nonprofit, without seeing any impact on their bank account.
3. Every cent counts
A 1.5% donation might not seem like a lot at first, but when you consider how often people shop for daily essentials, it adds up quickly. By getting more supporters to use RewardX Fundraising, your nonprofit will get a steady stream of donations that can significantly impact its activities.
4. It’s easy to find new supporters
Our platform is simple to use and to explain. You don’t have to come up with a boat load of arguments to get people to donate money. All they have to do is sign up, and go on with their daily life. And we’re sure many people in your community will be happy to help your nonprofit.
One of the hardest parts of fundraising is having to ask people for money, even though you know they might be struggling financially themselves. With our platform, there's no additional cost to the supporter. They simply shop at Rite Aid, and the donation is made on their behalf.
Someone with little money to spare can now support a nonprofit, without seeing any impact on their bank account.
3. Every cent counts
A 1.5% donation might not seem like a lot at first, but when you consider how often people shop for daily essentials, it adds up quickly. By getting more supporters to use RewardX Fundraising, your nonprofit will get a steady stream of donations that can significantly impact its activities.
4. It’s easy to find new supporters
Our platform is simple to use and to explain. You don’t have to come up with a boat load of arguments to get people to donate money. All they have to do is sign up, and go on with their daily life. And we’re sure many people in your community will be happy to help your nonprofit.
So why wait? Sign up for RewardX Fundraising today, start raising money for your nonprofit through your everyday shopping at Rite Aid, and inspire others in your community to do the same.
September 17, 2024
According to nonprofitssource.com, donations are increasing in 2024. Of course, the RewardX Fundraising team is very glad to see that people, even though times are tough for many, keep on giving money to help others.
Donations to Human Services charities have increased by 5.1%. Education charities received 6.2% more, and Health charities an amazing 15.5% more.
But we know these statistics could be even better. And that’s why we have been working hard these last few months to revamp our platform and create a user-friendly interface for all supporters. Now it’s time to join forces and raise some money for our communities.
For those who are new to RewardX Fundraising
RewardX Fundraising allows you to earn money for a nonprofit you choose. The concept is straightforward. You create a Rite Aid Rewards account, as well as an account on our website. This only takes a few minutes. The only thing left to do is select a cause you want to support, and shop at Rite Aid (in one of their stores or online).
Rite Aid will donate 1.5% of the amount you spend to your nonprofit, via our platform. On some shopping trips, you’ll earn a few cents for your cause. Next week, this might be a few dollars. You’ll notice how it’ll add up rather quickly.
But even if you think this isn’t a lot, let us explain how local nonprofits are real pros when it comes to stretching a dollar.
Making every cent count
Local (small) nonprofits often have to rely on donations from the community. Depending on where they are located, it might be hard to raise enough money to help all the people they want. Luckily, the people working for such organizations know how to make every cent count. They turn even the smallest donations into meaningful change for the community.
Let’s have a look at some examples of what can be done and bought with small donations:
- A food bank can buy rice and other essential items in bulk. Added to some fresh or canned donated vegetables, it becomes a hot meal for the homeless and less fortunate.
- A school can use small donations to purchase notebooks, pens, or a healthy lunch for a student in need.
- Blankets, hats, backpacks, bus tickets, and other essentials for homeless people can be bought by local charities.
- Animal shelters will be able to buy food for abandoned cats and dogs.
- A few dollars is enough to buy seeds to add new vegetables to a community garden.
- Kids can be taken on an outing by a charity.
Let’s not forget that you’re not the only one earning money for a certain cause. More supporters means more (modest) donations. And every dollar will be used for something good.
So if you earn a few dollars each week for your cause, people will be fed, children will be able to enjoy a day at the zoo or a homeless person will get a warm blanket.
You can make a real impact by just doing your normal shopping at Rite Aid.
And if you want to really foster the community spirit we all love, talk about our platform with your family, friends, colleagues and social media followers.
September 13, 2024
As a PTA member, you're always looking for new ways to support your high school's clubs and activities. Fundraising can often feel like a challenge. Organizing events, finding volunteers, and coming up with creative ideas to engage the community are extremely time consuming and sometimes frustrating tasks.
But what if supporting your school was as simple as doing your regular shopping? With RewardX Fundraising, PTA members can help raise money for their high school’s clubs just by making everyday purchases at their local Rite Aid store or on their website.
Let’s have a look at how this works, and what difference you can make thanks to RewardX Fundraising.
Raising money by shopping at Rite Aid
RewardX Fundraising has a great partnership with Rite Aid, allowing you to raise money for your high school without spending any extra money.
If you want to know how to get started, have a look at this article, in which we explain how easy it is.
Spread the word
To maximize the impact of this effortless fundraising opportunity, it's important to spread the word among your fellow PTA members. By sharing the benefits of our platform, you can encourage other PTA members to tell parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends.
When everyone gets involved, those small, individual contributions can quickly add up to make a big difference, thus creating a powerful, collective effort to support your school.
Feel free to use our infographics during your PTA meetings or in your newsletters.
Some high school clubs struggle to get enough funding
We all know that sports clubs tend to get the most funding. But other clubs are just as important for our students. They offer a space for the children to explore their interests, develop amazing skills and connect with those who share similar passions. Being involved in a club helps students grow as individuals, and can even enhance their college applications and future opportunities. That’s a good enough reason to get them the funding they need.
Many clubs need extra funds to:
- Buy materials and supplies
- Purchase uniforms for competitions
- Pay for travel costs (day trips, competitions etc.)
- Rent a space for events
- Create flyers and other marketing materials to promote their events and activities
- Cover the costs for students in need who can’t buy a uniform or the necessary supplies to join
Get the kids involved
Raising funds for their own high school club is a great learning opportunity for the students. Those working at the school newspaper could interview students from different clubs to figure out what they could do with the extra funds. The theater club could write a 3 minute play in which they show parents how to raise money for their kid’s clubs, and the students from the video club could film it all and publish it on the school’s social media accounts.
We’re sure you can come up with many creative ideas to get the students involved and create a real sense of community.
So don’t wait any longer. Sign up for RewardX Fundraising, shop at Rite Aid, discover how easy it is, and spread the word.
September 01, 2024
Imagine making a difference in your community just by doing your everyday shopping. With our platform, you can effortlessly earn funds for your local organization simply by shopping at Rite Aid.
Start helping your local soccer team so they can buy new uniforms. Or support your local soup kitchen so they can purchase food for the Holiday season.
How does earning funds for your local organization work?
Habitually, donating money to an organization you wish to support would imply giving money from your wallet or bank account. With RewardX Fundraising, things work differently.
After creating your account, you do your normal shopping at Rite Aid. You buy your diapers, pens and some vitamins for your family. At the register, you type in your phone number or tell it to the cashier and pay for your groceries. When shopping online, you simply type in your phone number. 1.5% of the amount you just spent will be donated to the cause you’ve chosen.
The major advantage over traditional donations is that you don't have to spend an extra cent.
A step-by-step guide to get you started
Let’s see how easy it is to start earning money for your organization:
- Create a Rite Aid Rewards account (this is completely free).
- Sign up for a RewardX Fundraising account (this is also completely free and without any obligation).
- Choose your favorite nonprofit organization on our website after logging in.
- Shop at a Rite Aid store or on their website.
- Enter your phone number at the register or tell it to the cashier, or enter it during online checkout.
- Enjoy your day. You have now earned money for your favorite cause.
The nonprofits you can support without any additional effort
RewardX Fundraising currently supports over 2,000 nonprofit organizations. Soccer teams, schools, charities, you name it. Whether it’s a small local organization that provides a place for teenagers to come together and play sports for free, or a huge nationwide nonprofit, all can be supported by RewardX Fundraising and yourself.
If you want to support an organization which is not on the list, you can enroll them by filling out the form on our website. This way, you can start supporting your favorite organization in no time.
The advantages
Earning funds for an organization with RewardX Fundraising is a great way to support your local community.
This is why:
- Setting up your account is easy and only takes a minute;
- You’ll earn money for the organization without even noticing and without taking any further action other than doing your normal shopping at Rite Aid.
- It’s completely free. You won’t spend a single cent on your donations.
Since this is so easy and quick, we hope you have a bit of time to tell your family and friends about our platform. By spreading the word, you enable more people to turn their everyday shopping at Rite Aid into meaningful donations.
Supporting your community has never been easier. Sign up, shop at Rite Aid, and watch your donations grow.