International Aid on a personal level

If you would like to do more for those in dire need, but sometimes wonder how you can without simply tossing money into coffers that sometimes seem like they do more to pay their executives than actually help, here are a couple of ideas:

From Hard-Boiled Dreams of the World, via Big Fat Liberal

Youse established the International Breast Milk Project, and in May 2006 she sent a second shipment of over 23 gallons of breast milk. Another 35 gallons were sent in late 2006, and more shipments are scheduled for 2007.

If you’re interested in donating, click here: don’t waste a drop of breast milk.

Africa Aids Facts
Many babies in South Africa are in dire need of breast milk because their mothers have HIV, which can be transmitted through breast milk. Many other babies need breast milk because their moms don’t have access to water clean enough to mix with powdered baby formula.

An estimated 12 million African children under the age of 18 have been orphaned by AIDS.

Each day in Sub-Saharan Africa, over 6,000 people die from AIDS. Another 8,500 contract HIV. Every day, over a thousand newborn babies are infected during childbirth or through their mothers’ milk. Africa is home to 25 million people with HIV, which is about 64% of global infections.

And, then there is:

Kiva.org Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

Also, via Big Fat Liberal. Thanks, Lynne.