This got me thinking about the things that I believe in and the causes that I support. Having run a non-profit organization, and having been responsible for raising the money that would fund my salary, I am fully aware of how much help non-profits need–especially during these strange times.

My first though then was about gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for as we all do. If I were to attempt to list everything here the list would take up the rest of this page and beyond. I think that even when times are tight we all need to take a look at what we do have and remember to be grateful. We can ‘tighten our belts’ and cut down on frivolous spending, but still open our hands generously to give to those people and organizations that offer help when no one else can or will. So, I’m passing along a gift that is focused on gratitude and how opening our hearts can change our lives and our world.

Next I will share a brief list of a few of the non-profits that I admire and whose work touches and saves lives:

• American Red Cross
• Capital Area Food Bank
• Food and Friends
• Kiva
• The Heifer Project
• Newborns In Need

Now it’s your turn. Give what you can and when you can’t give a financial gift, your time is even more valuable. What are some of your favorite non-profit organizations? Share them with me in a comment and I’ll post your answers later.