Monkeez Makes a Difference, the educational charitable program for children from MVP Brands, recently presented a third round of donations of nearly $15,000 to Samaritan’s Purse, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society.

Donations are awarded to the three charities each quarter based on the choices children make when they select a charity to receive 10% of the wholesale cost of each product purchased. The first-of-its-kind program teaches kids the importance of philanthropy. With the support of families and independent retailers, Monkeez Makes a Difference has donated a total of more than $82,000 to the three charities since October 2012.

Additionally, Monkeez Makes a Difference has been awarded The National Parenting Center’s Spring 2013 Seal of Approval. The program features an independent testing procedure conducted in an eight-week period where testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about and judge product quality by the reactions of the children. Participants fill out questionnaires for the product, evaluating desirability, sturdiness, interactive stimulation and other factors. Results are based on statistical averaging and comments received from the parents/testers.

Testers evaluated the Monkeez Makes a Difference sock monkeys with their new colors and designs, as well as the Do Good trading cards with challenges that consist of simple, but meaningful tasks.

“The lessons are about being a good citizen, being safe, conserving resources and so much more,” said the center’s review of the Do Good cards.

“We thank our independent retail customers and parents, grandparents and educators for their amazing support of the program,” said Chrysti Carol Propes, founder and director of Monkeez Makes a Difference. “We’re hearing from customers about their outstanding success with the program, and look forward to continuing to partner with them not only with fun Monkeez characters for their customers, but even more importantly, to instill in children life-long lessons of philanthropy. Together, we can empower the next generation to make the world a better place.”

The full line of more than 100 products are available for immediate shipping. For wholesale information or to order, visit www.mvpbrands.com.