It really is more rewarding to give than to receive.  And to prove my point, below are two examples of opportunies to help those in need and stimulate the world economy. The holiday season is a great time to do so.

Nothing But Nets

Nothing But Nets provides bed nets for families in Africa – where every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria.

For just $10, you can send a net and save a life. 100% of your contribution goes directly to purchasing bed nets, distributing them, and educating communities on how to use them.

Through the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign – a global, grassroots effort to prevent malaria – anyone can make a difference, one net at a time. For less than it costs to buy a DVD, you can fill out a great tribute card and purchase a bed net on behalf of a friend or loved one and save the life of a child in Africa.

With their recent promotion with the NBA, you get two free tickets to an NBA game for a donation of $10 or more. Send a Net. Save a Life. See a Game.

Also, Nothing But Nets has teamed up with the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR) to protect more than one million refugees in 15 African countries from malaria.  They need 160,000 nets before December 31 to cover the full need. So give the gift of life to a refugee in Africa this holiday season, either on behalf of yourself or a loved one.

Kiva

Kiva empowers regular people to alleviate poverty by lending to entrepreneurs around the world.

Kiva Gift Certificates are one of the most unique holiday gifts you can give.  They're perfect for family, friends, and coworkers. And a Kiva Gift is a great last minute gift idea for those far way.

Starting at $25, Kiva gift certificates allow the recipient to make their own loans to entrepreneurs around the world and help alleviate poverty. Your recipient chooses the loans, receives repayments, and can choose to lend again and again! It is a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving.

Visit Kiva to email your personalized gift certificate immediately or print them at home today! They take just seconds to create, but the experience lasts a lifetime!