How come I never knew about this before?

When I was on Laura's site the other day, I found this:


Intrigued, I clicked on the banner and found a really interesting nonprofit. DonorsChoose is a neat idea and a great way to give back. Maybe even a great gift idea for those who have everything. Here's what DonorsChoose is about:

"DonorsChoose is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, whom we call Citizen Philanthropists, choose projects to fund.

"Proposals range from 'Magical Math Centers' ($200) to 'Big Book Bonanza' ($320), to 'Cooking Across the Curriculum' ($1,100). Any individual can search such proposals by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project(s) they find most compelling. In choosing a project, donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, a teacher impact letter, and an expenditure report showing that their tax-deductible gift was spent as directed."

DonorsChoose even won the Amazon.com Nonprofit Innovation Award. Plus, the website has an area where you can create a registry (I've already asked my friends and family to donate money to DonorsChoose or the American Red Cross instead of buying me gifts) or purchase gift certificates. So, what are you waiting for? Give a little bit!