by WTN Staff 

Trees and wild animals will benefit from the top three prize winners in the Good Earth giveaway.

Good Earth said the sweepstakes was meant to reward loyal customers and inspire "small changes that can create a big difference." The Montvale, N.J.-based tea and coffee company, which has made environmental conservation part of its operational philosophy, collected entries – which consisted of simply an e-mail address and charity of choice – on its Web site. An outside firm randomly selected winners, which were announced on June 24. Each one received equal amounts of money for a prize and a donation to the charity chosen.

Top prize winner Vladimir Shlionsky of Los Angeles won $10,000 and chose to give $10,000 to American Forests. Noting the destruction caused by wildfires that Los Angeles residents see first-hand, Shlionsky said, "I'm proud my donation will have such a big impact on the environment and really make a difference in my community."

Second place winner Sara Middlemist of Houston took home $4,000 and also chose American Forests to receive her $4,000 donation. William Chen of Encino, Calif., won $1,000 for third place and chose to donate $1,000 to Wildlife Way Station, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and provides sanctuary to wild and exotic animals from around the world.

Five runner-ups won a year's supply of God Earth tea and coffee.