Imagine being able to make a difference in the world while keeping yourself healthy and doing something you love. For athletes, that is easier than one might think.

Charity Miles is an app that tracks how far you run, bike, or walk. For bikers, every mile you make 10 cents that goes to the charity of your choice. Runners and walkers can make 25 cents per mile.

This app is super simple to use and is compatible to both iPhones and androids. After downloading the app, simply make an account. Whenever you’re ready to bike, run, or walk, just click on the app and choose a charity. The app allows users to preview the charity before making your decision. Nifty, huh?

One of our own CHS teachers, English teacher Amanda Kelley, uses Charity Miles to raise money for a few of her own selected charities.

“I alternate between 3 charities every time I log miles with the app. They include Habitat of Humanity, Autism Speaks, and Wounded Warrior Project,” said Kelley. “I choose these three because I like the organizations and what they do for those in need.”

“It is important to support charities that directly benefit some of my students, and there can never be too much support for our military and those that live in the greater Carlisle Area,” she added.

Emma Bateman is on the CHS cross country team and she was intrigued by the idea of Charity Miles.

“I would be interested in doing something that I love and raise money,” said Bateman.

She is a solid athlete and loves running. “I love cross country because I love the feeling of pushing myself until I can’t physically go and further,” said Bateman. “I also love cross country because our team is really close, and they are some of the kindest and most dedicated people that I know,” she added.

While Bateman was unfamiliar with Charity Miles, she was intrigued by the app. An animal lover and cat owner, Bateman noted that she would support the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) because there are so many animals that need to be rescued. In fact, her cat was adopted from a charity. ASPCA is one of the many charities affiliated with Charity Miles.

Charity Miles is for more than animal lovers, though. There are more than 30 charities associated with this app and the list keeps growing. Their causes include everything from The Wounded Warrior Project to Autism Speaks to Feeding America and more.

For more information, check out the Charity Miles website.