I have been pushing for the "no presents at Christmas" policy for 2 years now. I'd rather spend my money on things that I value, including charities I value. Great idea. Looks like your getting great publicity too.

Hi Stephanie!
I happened to run across your blog this morning when I got into my office. It is so refreshing to read personal blogs like this. Since you have taken such a great interest in the global water crisis and helping to solve the problem, I thought I'd pass along some info to you about the organization I work for. It's called Water Missions International (based out of Charleston, SC). Our mission is to provide access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the Living Water message to people in developing countries and disaster areas. Rather than write a book to explain further, you can visit our website at www.watermissions.org to find out more if you're interested (I'll also be happy to send you some information through the mail). To date, we've deployed more than 600 water systems to 37 countries around the world, making safe water available to nearly 2 million thirsty people. We also have a gift catalog that will be available online tomorrow. Again, thank you for sharing your selfless ideas of giving with your friends and family and the rest of the world! God bless you!

Hey, great post-- very inspirational video!

I just happened upon your blog, and I want to express my agreement that clean water is one of the most pressing needs facing the developing world. It's so easy to take it for granted in the U.S. We've had reliable drinking water for 100 years, since cities started chlorinating their water supplies-- and thus we've put the days of waterborne disease outbreaks behind us.

I do some work with the American Chemistry Council, and they've also got an effort to bring clean water to places that don't have it. If you're interested, check out the interactive site that I listed as my homepage-- it's a free quiz about clean water, and for every correct answer the ACC donates toward clean water in W. Africa.

Stephanie -- we too hate the commercialization of the Christmas season. In our family, several years ago, we started drawing names so everyone just buys one (adult) present. The presents Gregg and I put on our list are either Heffier Int'l, or CHI giving. This year, we decided to do away w/ the giving altogether for adults, and I'm making Tees for my nieces. We give the money we save to various charities and I LOVE your water idea. We'll definitely check that out! Thanks for the fabulously generous-of-soul gift ideas!