Wendy Smith (2)

This wonderful book shows how a small donation to the right organization can make a world of difference in bringing clean water, health benefits, or other lifesaving measures both here and around the world. My favorite charities are my local food bank and also The Libri Foundation (which provides kids books to rural public libraries) but I'm always on the lookout for other worthwhile causes.

During the initial part of the book, Smith explains how a large portion of charitable giving is show more actually made by Americans in small amounts, such as $10 or $20. For instance, after the 2004 tsunami, 45 percent of the total given (or $2.78 billion) for tsunami efforts was provided by ordinary Americans. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett may get more publicity for donating less, as a total, but the bulk of charitable efforts are made by regular people.

The bulk of the book, however, offers a fascinating look at organizations, often little-known ones, and all the good works they do, along with information about what a small donation can do. I've never heard of such groups as World Bicycle Relief or Potters for Peace (and dozens of others) but they save lives every day.

It's said that charitable giving offers health benefits to the person doing the giving. I think it's possible that reading about good works and places to perhaps donate a small amount might do the same. Excellent book that gave me a lot of new ideas for worthwhile charities. show less