For all of us who have read the Pollyanna books we'll not forget those lovely, yet patronizing, Ladies Aid Society members. Giving to charity is not a requirement of being a Pollyanna, as I'm sure we all do what we can to make the world a better place -- and truly money is not always the answer.

Nonetheless, I have recently run across an interesting website that matches lenders with microloan borrowers in other countries. The website is called http://www.Kiva.org. Kiva.org takes no money from the loan and is solely funded through 501(c)3 tax deductible contributions. The lenders (individuals who give through Kiva) are repaid, but get no interest. All of the money goes to the microloan institution which distributes it to the borrower.

Even if you don't want to give, or can't give, it's worth a look just to read the stories and view the photographs of these entrepreneurs in developing countries. I'm on it almost every night, and it makes me marvel at how much I have to be grateful for.

Anyway, I hope you get the chance to check out their website, and perhaps find a little more gladness in your own life.

-- z