But it's hard to fault cash-strapped causes for capitalizing on an inexpensive device to fuel their worthy works. No doubt champion cyclist Lance Armstrong never imagined that a yellow silicone bracelet, denoting his LiveStrong foundation to raise money for cancer education and research, would take on a life of its own.

In fact, it has. The Lance Armstrong Foundation Web site ( www.laf.org ), founded in 1997, boasts that 40 million people now wear its cause on their wrists. The bracelets are still being sold. Six-time Tour de France winner Armstrong is still cycling - and in fact, contending for another win in the race that ends July 24 in Paris. And in a recent promotion with Nike, LiveStrong merchandise now includes water bottles, T-shirts, cycling jerseys and more.

Although we couldn't possibly list all the charities offering silicone wristbands, we've rounded up a few that caught our attention. A few benefit local chapters of national organizations.

WEAR PINK

A national breast cancer awareness campaign comes full circle in Fort Myers, where about 20 of the pink "Sharing the Promise" wristbands are available at You Look Mahvelous on South Tamiami Trail at Daniels Parkway. Store owner Mike Hackett recently bought a supply from the Southwest Florida chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Bonita Springs. Each wristband costs $1, with all proceeds going back to the local chapter. They're also available online at http://www.komenswfl.org/