"Absolutely!" I said. And we both agreed to spend our dollars this year with Heifer International.
In case you don't know, Heifer International is a non-profit that gives livestock and training to families around the world, with the mission to end hunger and foster self-reliance. They do great work and offer the whole farmyard in their gift catalog.
So instead of buying that person who has everything another Starbucks mug and 2lb bag of gourmet coffee, tell them you bought a heifer (or better yet a bull) with their name on it and shipped it to a fair trade coffee farmer in Guatemala. That person who has everything may thank you for your generosity—or not. But take the risk. You’ll feel good about it.
Here are some other folks who could use a few of your dollars, around the holiday season and always:
- Donors Choose : An online charity connecting you to classrooms in need.
- Vitamin Angels: Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality worldwide by connecting essential nutrients, especially vitamin A.
- Donate Seattle: Find What to Donate and Who to Donate To
- Youth in Focus: Empowers urban teens, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and make positive changes in their lives.
Also see: 10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions
