Text the Gift of H20

It's a simple chemical concoction of hydrogen and oxygen and the fundamental basis for life. Yet one billion (or one in six) inhabitants of planet Earth have no access to clean drinking water.

On Monday, natural personal care products manufacturer, Tom's of Maine joined up with charity: water, the U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing clean drinking water to those in developing countries who have no access. Through the initiative, Tom's of Maine will match any $5 donation made by texting WELL to 20222. Matches will continue until the target of $10,000 is reached.

"Our goal for this project is to build four wells, which cost only $5,000 each, but can bring lasting, positive change to so many," said Tom's of Maine's Kate Bussell. "Charity: water shares our deep connection to clean water, and we commend them on the more than 1,400 water projects they've already completed in just three short years."

Tom's of Maine's record of socially-conscious performance speaks for itself. Aside from its 40-year foundation as a leader of corporate sustainability, the company is well-known for bridging business with community by investing 10 percent of all profits in community projects. Meanwhile, in just three years, charity: water has raised over $11 million from 60,000 donors, bringing safe drinking water to more than 700,000 in 16 countries. The current H20 campaign will run through Dec. 31, 2009, and Tom's of Maine is also contributing all costs associated with underwriting the project. Contributors can follow the campaign's progress through the donation meter found at the Tom's of Maine Web site.

Oh, and as Tom's of Maine and charity: water remind us, "In some countries, a mere $5 can give one person clean water for five years."

Photo courtesy Randy Son Of Robert via Flickr.