It seems that the theme of September 11th is helping others. I'm all for any occasion that encourages giving....who wouldn't be?! So I want to share an organization I just heard of that makes giving interactive and fun!

Last week Oprah had Bill Clinton on to talk about his new book (I love Bill), Giving. One of the things they talked about was an organization called Kiva. On Kiva's website (www.kiva.org), you browse individuals from all over the world that are requesting loans to start or help their self-owned businesses. You can read about the person and why they are requesting the loan. Then you donate an amount to help them. So, for example, I found a gentleman in the Ivory Coast that requested $1,200 to expand the products available at his grocery store. I donated $25 and many others did the same and Mr. Mamadou reached his goal!

But here's the fun part.....it's a loan. So the people pay the money back (each loan has different lengths). The money is put back into your Kiva account and you can either take it and run, OR......you invest in someone else! My $25 can be used again and again.....and at a time where I am having to be careful of every penny going out, that is so cool to me!

Anyway, the Kiva website obviously explains all this better than I can. And if you go there and there aren't any businesses available to donate to, don't despair....because of Oprah and Bill, the site has gone nuts (such a good thing!!!). Keep checking back as they are always adding new people.....

I hope you all give Kiva a try.....but no matter what, spread some love today