Buy a sofa, save a life. That's the premise behind the "Feel Good Twice" program going on all this month at Weisshouse furniture store at 324 S. Highland Ave. in Shadyside. After watching a news broadcast concerning the plight of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, owner Stacy Weiss was unable to sleep. The show's graphic description of violence as a form of terrorism and a weapon of war against women and girls pushed her to do something.

"The next day I started to research a way to help and came across the organization Women for Women International. It's dedicated to working with women survivors of war," she explained. The money raised goes directly to aid the women. So for the month of March, with every sofa purchased Weisshouse will make a yearlong donation in the customer's name to Women for Women International.

"The small monthly payment made helps them obtain basics, but also provides them with labor skills, education and awareness of their rights," said Ms. Weiss, who majored in women's studies in college.

"As a woman in business and one that has been rewarded in her life, I feel it is my responsibility to support other women in need," she added. This is one of the first promotions that actively involves Weisshouse customers.

"We are hoping to raise the level of awareness and inspire others to get involved," Ms. Weiss said.

For more information, go to www.womenforwomen.org or www.weisshouse.com. Or call 412-441-8888.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.