PFD giving campaign off to big start

MAT-SU — The “Pick. Click. Give.” campaign says its charitable giving program is off to a great start as Alaskans apply for their Permanent Fund Dividend checks.

The campaign cites statistics showing that as of mid-January more than double the money had flowed to local charities as compared to the same time last year. As of Jan. 14, $555,600 had been donated, as opposed to $252,000 donated by that time last year.

The mid-January total was $10,000 higher than what the program had brought in by the end of March during the 2009 campaign.

The campaign coordinates a program wherein applicants for permanent fund checks can earmark a portion of the yearly check to charities of the giver’s choice. More information about the program and a database of qualifying organizations can be found at pickclickgive.org.