Virtual Piggy deploys donation technology

LOS ANGELES — Virtual Piggy, an online service that allows parents to monitor their children's online shopping behavior, has deployed technology enabling youth younger than 18 to safely make donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The safe online payments service provider is not only encouraging existing customers to donate to the national animal welfare organization but also trying to get new customers to hop on board. Virtual Piggy says it will donate $1 to the ASPCA for each user who joins Virtual Piggy free.

Virtual Piggy promotes financial management while empowering youth younger 18 to make financial decisions for themselves, within the boundaries set up by parents. The technology serves as a family wallet that is available online or via mobile.

“Kids and teens have always had a concern and passion for the welfare of animals,” said Elysia Howard, VP of marketing and licensing for the ASPCA. “Now they can feel empowered to directly contribute to a cause they deeply care about.”

“Philanthropy is important to us and a key component to a well-rounded knowledge of financial literacy,” said Virtual Piggy CEO and founder Dr. Jo Webber. “We are excited to be able to work with the ASPCA, who is one of the Virtual Piggy members’ favorite charities.”