Kiva - Loan Money to People Improving Their World

Sometimes I think about how tough life is for people in other parts of the world. Often from where we lie in our comfortable beds with pillowtop mattresses and 300 thread count sheets, it’s hard to feel the hardness of the ground that some people sleep on and think about how we can help them. My sister-in-law, Amy, aided in bringing this notion home for us when she decided to give a unique Christmas present to the whole family. Each of us received a gift certificate to Kiva, a non-profit organization that connects people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. This gift truly is a gift that will continue to give to others.

After setting up my account and “cashing in” our gift certificates, we poured through the pictures and stories of many families. Their lives are so different from ours. They are all trying to do some type of business endeavor that will improve their financial situation. Being a business owner myself, I realized their struggles are on a whole different level than mine. They make pennies or dollars a day while doing a start-up such as a “store” that sells beverages and a few non-perishable items. I am in love with the idea of Kiva and what it does for others. We have loaned out our money and now get to watch updates of how that money is helping others.

It only takes about $25 to make a difference. If you spend more, then you can truly help these individuals have a better life. Check it out today and share it with others. http://www.kiva.org/