DULLES, VA--(Marketwire) -  MapHook, Inc., a software applications developer, today announced it is using its resources and location-based journal and social networking application to help create awareness of small businesses impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The "Gulf Caravan," started by a group of concerned citizens from St. Louis, will use MapHook to showcase their journey as they caravan 300 miles August 9-13 along the Gulf Coast. The mission of the Gulf Caravan is to raise awareness nationally about the struggling businesses in the Gulf region and to provide hope by spending money at local, small businesses along the route to help stimulate their recovery efforts. The money spent originates from donations provided by concerned citizens and communities from around the country. 

"MapHook is pleased to support this important effort. In addition, Gulf Caravan's use of our social networking application will help create more awareness of how hard things are for small businesses in the Gulf right now," said Paul Carter, CEO of MapHook. "From the start, caravan participants will be creating 'Hooks' about their journey, including showing the businesses they visit and detailing how people can donate and get involved. Those using MapHook on their iPhone can follow the caravan using the app, or anyone can go to MapHook.com, register for free and see the progress the caravan is making." 

"We are thrilled to have MapHook's support to boost up small businesses that have been devastated by no fault of their own following the oil spill in the Gulf," said Gulf Caravan organizer Dennis Gorg. "I can't wait to create Hooks throughout the Gulf Coast caravan so people can track our progress and hear about the experiences we are having and get involved."

Media are invited to accompany the caravan on its journey or meet it at any stop on the route. Those who are unable to make the trip can contribute funds to spend on their behalf via PayPal by visiting the group's website at www.gulfcaravan.com.

About MapHook

MapHook, Inc. is a software applications developer based in Dulles, Va. The company's first offering is MapHook, a location-based journal and social networking application for mobile and desktop users. For more information, please visit www.maphook.com.