Tom's of Maine Invites the Public to Help Invest $1 Million in Grassroots Community Projects

KENNEBUNK, Maine, July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- If you could help build a better community with just one change, what would you do? Create an adventure program for kids in need? Build a community garden for a food pantry? Bring animals to the homebound? Tom's of Maine is asking Americans in every state to share how they would help their communities as part of its annual 50 States for Good giving program, and will randomly choose 51 entrants to select a local nonprofit to receive a $20,000 donation from Tom's of Maine.

This year, the company is awarding more funding than ever – more than $1 million in total – with $20,000 going to a nonprofit organization in every state and Washington, D.C. 

Knowing that not everyone has money to support the many causes they care about, Tom's of Maine structured its program to let people share their #OneWayToHelp for a chance to secure funding for important community projects.  People simply share in a few words what they would do to help their community on Twitter or Instagram using #OneWayToHelp #entry and their state hashtag (e.g. #NY, #CA).  Interested participants can also enter online at www.50StatesforGood.com. One entry from every state and Washington, D.C. will be randomly chosen and that winner can give the funding to their favorite cause.  

"This year, we want to make it easier than ever for anyone in the community to advance the causes they care most about – right where they live, work and play," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "You simply tell us what local issues matter to you. No need to know a specific nonprofit, just share one way you would like to help your community. If you're chosen, we'll help you find a nonprofit that connects to your cause or you can choose one you already love."

To date, the Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good program has funded more than 100 grassroots nonprofits with over $1.1 million and celebrated the people who empower and help their neighbors in creative and inspiring ways – from teaching children sustainable farming, to enhancing local libraries, providing shelter and food for the homeless and caring for animals, as well as many other initiatives.

Tom's of Maine gives 10% of its profits back to helping people and the planet. Employees are encouraged to give 5% of paid time to volunteer and this year marks the company's 45^th anniversary.  Additional information and terms and conditions are available at www.50StatesforGood.com.

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care, carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, antiperspirant, bar soap, body wash, body lotion, hand cream, lip balm and baby care products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For 45 years, Tom's of Maine has supported hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine. 

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SOURCE Tom's of Maine

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