Save the Children
Searching for a gift for a sports fan? Many kids in the developing world have to make their own sports equipment from trash and string, which means a simple gift of a soccer ball ($30) can improve the quality of life for lots of children in a community. Through Save the Children, you can give one of 40 gifts (ranging from food to educational needs), or you can even sponsor an individual child ($28 per month) and receive updates and letters from him or her. Save the Children spends about 90% of its funds on programs. "Wise charitable givers know that their heart and their mind need to be involved," says Berger. "One of the most powerful ways to spread the word about charities that are helping a lot is through you as a donor." The holidays may be the perfect time to send that message.