Show us your life: favorite charities

This week: Favorite Charities

Charity: water holds a special place in my family's heart. We joined together with friends and family over the holiday season in the hopes of raising enough money to build a well. We came pretty close, and paired with another fundraising group's efforts, a new well will be built in 12-18 months. And they show it to you on google maps! Talk about feeling like you are part of something big.

After reading Angie's site about her trip to India with Compassion, our family was determined to sponsor a child. Viakeshwar is our beautiful, sweet, 6 year old child in India and we all love writing to him, sending stickers and coloring pages and praying for him. It's amazing to me how much difference just a little donation each month makes.

I absolutely dropped to the floor when I read about Heather and Mike losing their precious Maddie. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to lose your baby, and I am so amazed with their strength and efforts to help other families who must stay in the NICU for extended periods of time feel more comfortable and less afraid and alone. They started this brilliant charity in Maddie's name and honor.

Just as horrifying as losing your child is losing the love of your life. Matt Logelin lost his wife Liz just 1 day after their daughter was born, and has been raising Maddy by himself and sharing their stories with the world on his blog. He started the Liz Logelin Foundation to help widows get back on their feet right after losing their loved one. Brilliant. I just love that he gave back like that.