I've been big on charities for a while now, and I don't think there's any better way to use a little bit of free time or money than to use it to help those who really do need it.

On this page (and the pop-out links in the menu at the top) you'll find not only some of my favorite places to help. Also check out Charity Navigator, a site that actually helps you decide the best places to give your time, money, and care.

So what are you waiting for? Give giving a shot. You'll like it, I guarantee it!

Kiva - Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. Make a loan to an entrepreneur across the globe for as little as $25.

Nothing But Nets - A grassroots movement involved in malaria prevention through advocacy, procurement and distribution of free nets.

Invisible Children - Helps the struggling children in Uganda who live in displacement camps.

Free The Slaves - Free the Slaves liberates slaves around the world, helps them rebuild their lives and researches real world solutions to eradicate slavery forever.

Food Gatherers - If you live in the Ann Arbor / Washtenaw County area, this is an excellent charity to support. "Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community by: reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non perishable food; coordinating with other hunger relief providers; educating the public about hunger; and developing new food resources."

Free Rice - Give free rice to hungry people by playing a simple (and free!) trivia game that simultaneously boosts your knowledge in Art, Chemistry, English, Geography, and several other great subjects.