Why I chose these organizations:

With so many great causes out there, and so much need in this world, I had a tough time deciding where to donate. Out of all the current charitable causes, the one that kept coming back into my mind was Katrina relief. That was such a devastating event and the fact that so many people lost their homes, their pets, and their lives, it continues to haunt me. So I figured, why not try to help in my small way? I chose to give to Global Green USA (specifically The Holy Cross Project) because they're not only helping to re-build the hardest hit area (the Lower 9th Ward), but they're also doing it in an environmentally conscious way, which will also help the home owners financially.

In addition to helping out a little in New Orleans, I want to do something for the people in my own community. I read that Austinites give more to outside charities than we do for our own city. The Capital Area Food Bank of Austin is a great organization where nearly 98% of all resources received by the Food Bank are returned to the community in programs and services. This is the highest of any non-profit based in Austin. Hunger is something I've never experienced and I'm thankful for that. It's a basic need that has to be met before anything else!