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SF Launches Website Accepting Donations For Some Services

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- For people in the giving spirit this holiday season, San Francisco officials Monday announced the launch of a website where donations can be made to help fund city services at risk due to budget cuts.

Mayor Ed Lee and City Treasurer Jose Cisneros on Monday announced the creation of Give2SF.org, an online portal to make donations to certain city programs.

The website will also be the primary place to make donations to San Francisco in the event of a serious emergency or disaster in the city.

"San Francisco is well known for its philanthropic charity, and this new portal provides San Franciscans a generous opportunity to give back to the city and support causes that improve the lives of those less fortunate in our city," Lee said in a statement.

Cisneros said the idea for the website came from a check sent to his office by a resident.

"He included a note explaining that he knew the city was short on funds, and he wanted to help," Cisneros said.

Programs listed for donations on the website include the arts, neighborhood beautification, homeless services, and recreation and parks.

In the event of a disaster, the city will also be able to use the website to get donations from around the world and provide links to other aid organizations.
City officials say they plan on upgrading the service in the future to include ways to donate via text message or a smartphone app.

The source of all donated funds will be available on the website of the department the money goes toward, as required by law.

For more information about the program, visit www.give2sf.org or call 311.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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