Kiva

I read about this organization on another blog. I think it is amazing.

We are all in a pinch financially. The stores are feeling it, but the poor will feel it, also. Many don't feel comfortable giving to others without knowing about their situation. Kiva is a microlending organization that funds entrepenuers who are considered poverty stricken all over the world! For example, a group of women from the Congo opened a restaurant a couple of years ago. They want to upgrdade to electrical appliances so they won't have to use coal hotplates, etc. They are asking for a $2000 loan, which they plan to pay back in 3 months. The default rates on every loan I have seen is 0%. The deliquency rate is like .18%. Once they pay back their loan you get to give that money to another entreprenuer of your choice. Genius!

What a wonderful thing to do for Christmas! I know several families who don't give to eachother (adults) and instead pool their money and give to entreprenuer on this site, or they buy a flock of chicks (this costs $20 and gives enough eggs and future hens to eat for years to come, people) or a cow for those in third world countries through Heifer International .

I find that the older my parents, in-laws, grandparents get, the less they want to acquire. This could be a great way to use that money to help someone who truly needs it!