Santas Get Help From MSN Shopping Customers

Living up to the old adage that it's better to give than to receive, the MSN® network of Internet services today announced that its shopping site will renew its sponsorship of Volunteers of America's Sidewalk Santa program, which helps feed hungry families.

MSN Shopping (shopping.msn.com ) will donate 25 cents to the organization for each Shopping Search performed on the site between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

With online retail sales this holiday season expected to increase 19 percent to $21.6 billion, according to JupiterResearch, many people who normally donate to the Sidewalk Santas may not get the opportunity, since they'll be shopping from home instead of visiting the mall.

"MSN Shopping and its customers are helping us feed thousands of hungry families," said Linda McNeil, acting president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Greater New York.

"Shopping for the holidays is simple and fun with MSN Shopping, and we've made it just as easy for people to give to the Sidewalk Santas," said Julie Blackwell, business manager for MSN Shopping at Microsoft Corp.

Volunteers of America has been at the forefront of social service for more than 100 years -- helping adults and children with special needs reach their full potential, and helping troubled individuals leave homelessness, addiction, untreated mental illness and intergenerational poverty behind for good. Their award-winning programs, skilled and dedicated staff, and caring volunteers bring hope and healing to communities throughout the United States each year.

MSN attracts more than 360 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 40 markets and 20 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide.

The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online.