Every year when National Breast Cancer Awareness Month rolls around in October, we journalists roll our eyes. We've seen so many items out there hyped to support the cause and yet some question whether much of the money you spend goes to fight this awful disease.

But you should probably decide for yourself how much you want to do and spend. So, here are some interesting items that we have heard about leading up to the month. Whether or not you drive a BMW, you can still look like you do. And who doesn't like eating a little chocolate?

  This October, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Nuggets, Hershey’s Syrup, York Peppermint Patties and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures will feature pink packaging, and Hershey will donate $300,000 to the Young Survival Coalition, a non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters who focus on concerns and issues unique to young women and breast cancer. Hershey also is hosting the Hershey’s Tour de Pink -- a four-day, 220-mile bike ride benefiting the YSC, Oct. 3-6. There will also be a virtual ride that folks who can't make the actual ride can participate in. You still have to pedal 220 miles and log your efforts online. It all benefits the YSC.

BMW is partnering with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to sell a collection of items, including a watch, gym bag and a ladies fleece jacket, with 80 percent of the gross profits from the sale going to Komen for the Cure. All the products are available online or at local BMW dealers. We particularly liked the charm key fob ($12), the gym bag ($26) and the ladies polo ($32). Of course, if all that is a bit too pricey, they do have a lapel pin for $1 and surely can fit into any wardrobe.

The Deal Divas already introduced you to the collection that Ford Cares is showing this year. The Warriors in Pink line features not just the signature scarf, but T-shirts, hats and pins. We like the fact that they have T-shirts that are not all pink and your significant other can even wear, especially this long-sleeved unisex T-shirt ($25). And 100 percent of all net proceeds from the clothing line goes to Komen for the Cure. It's all available at www.fordcares.com. For funsies, the new NBC show "Kath & Kim" will feature the stars in special WIP clothing so you too can look like Molly Shannon or Selma Blair.

Now, if your favorite guy doesn't mind a little pink in his wardrobe, get him to  try these boxers on for size from -- wait for it -- Pink Boxers Distribution Inc. PB was established exclusively to raise funds for the American Breast Cancer Foundation for early detection, financial aid and breast cancer awareness, and 100 percent of the profits go to the ABCF. The boxers, which come in other colors and in styles for men and women, sell for $28–$32 at www.pinkboxers.org.

We really like this one: All proceeds from the sale of e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine In Pink Kiss will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in October. The Divas have extolled some of the virtues (and some of the pitfalls) of e.l.f. So decide for yourself if the $1 you spend is worth it. Get this and other $1 makeup at eyeslipsface.com.

Cross, the company that makes fine pens, is offering up the Century II Starlight pink pearlescent pen that features an inlaid star pattern and a pink ribbon on the clip. Ten percent of the sale of the $70 pen will go to the Komen Foundation, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $10,000. It's a limited edition pen so go to Cross online for more info.

Now, the most useful pink item we found would have to be this wonderful Pink Ribbon Survival edition of the Shemergency Survival Kit from Ms&Mrs. It has everything you could need in a bag about the size of a small cosmetics bag. Among the 24 items you'll find inside are a folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, hand lotion, nail polish remover, mending kit, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, breath freshener and deodorant wipes. It costs $20 with 10 percent going to breast cancer research.

Finally, we really like the HMDX Speaker-on-the-Go portable speaker case that works with MP3 players and iPod. Because I live in a house full of boys, I like something that is pink and girlie. Plus it is a cool way to carry along your iPod while you are on the run. They cost $9.99 and are available at Linens-n-Things. A dollar from each purchase goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

-- Sherry Robinson