I have $1000.00 to give

1. Books for Africa  does just what its name suggests. They have the books gathered in a warehouse, but they need money to ship them out. I'm going to take a leap of faith here, and believe that some of you happen to be able to donate more. Say.... $2500? Because that would provide enough books for five rural schools! On the other hand, maybe you just clicked on this page *wishing* that you had $1000, and the reality is that you have $75. Go ahead and click on the link to donate, because they have one of the coolest donation pages I've seen thus far. Slide the scale to see just what your money could buy. Or let me just tell you that $75 would provide 200 student dictionaries. So... it's all good.

2. If you have $1000 and want to help the women of Africa then Camfed might just be the place for you. I put this site in this category just because your money has so much potential to do good, and the organization has a great track record and spends well and wisely. Educating a girl in Africa has an impact that goes far beyond her own education. You'll want to read their impact report. After that, click here to find out the different ways you can donate. It doesn't have to be $1000 but what a great place to spend your money!

3. If you want to use your $1000 a little closer to home to make a difference, and if you are employed--and happily so-- and want to help someone else be happily employed then The Hope Program is the way to go. They operate in New York and their goal is to break the cycle of generational poverty and help participants become economically self-sufficient. Cough up another $250 if you can and that will provide career advancement services to a HOPE graduate. Click here to make your donation.