The holidays - a time for family, comfort and love.

Joy to the world, right?

Here's the reality, though, of Christmas in our world: America spends around $500 billion a year on Christmas gifts. That's more than $600 a person. We also spend another $8 billion on decorating for Christmas.

Isn't there something wrong with this picture?

This Hanukkah, I'm taking a step back from that world. This Kwanzaa, I want to give more than gifts that fit in boxes.

I want to give people life.

More than a billion people are living without water on our planet. Some walk miles every day to get to the nearest source: a stagnant, parasite-infested stream or pond. They lug it back to their families. They suffer from diarrhea, worms and skin diseases because they can't wash themselves. 45,000 people die each day from waterborne illnesses.

My mission is to raise $5,000 by December 23 of this year. This will provide drinkable water for a community of 250 individuals like you and me. 100% of every penny I raise will go directly to the water projects. And every project is "proved" using GPS technology and photos and put on Google Earth. Together, we'll be able to see the impact we've made.

ne billion people, one cause. The least we can do is give one Christmas, one Hanukkah, one Kwanzaa.

More of My Thoughts:
Already feeling a bit thirsty? Get used to it, my friends.

So, about this supposed Water Crisis - PSHHH! What water crisis?? As Steven Colbert might jest: WHO CARES? I turn on the faucet and out comes the water! I think I just nailed your argument! I mean, can we not just smile and love in the direction of some dirty water and make it sparkly clean and drinkable?

The answer: NO. You need some of this: $$$. Well, there is PLENTY of it out there. Unfortunately, those in possession of a vast amount of this money often do not have others on their minds or agendas. Go exploring around on Forbes $ Lists to see how the largest % of wealth lays in the tiniest sliver of the worlds hands. Or roam around and delve into our Government Spending. This water crisis should be renamed as such - The Gap Gets Wider: Evidence of our Diminishing Humanity & Ever Increasing Individualism - now, that may be harsh, but I believe it is completely appropriate.

Why is it up to such a minute fraction of individuals to support organizations such as this one to help those in need? Now, before you get me wrong as one-sided or closed-minded, take a look at these extremely wealthy individuals that actually put their money where their minds and hearts should be: Philanthropy .

The unfortunate truth of our society is that we, the people, celebrate and financially support the most unsubstantial entertainment organizations and individuals therein. Ever wonder how much $ your favorite stars bring home every year? Just take a look at exactly how the money flows in Celebrityville in Superficial, California: Click: Celeb $$

The 2008 top 24 total payrolls for the National Football League (NFL) all soar above $100 MILLION - just like in Austin Powers - that is (+)100,000,000 x 24 = OVER TWO BILLION, 400 MILLION just for those first 24 teams. Source.

I mentioned earlier of a man named Steven Colbert. You may have heard of him. He had a guest on his show early last year by the name of Dean Kamen. Now, you may not have heard of this man, but you will now. He is an inventor. I can spare you some of his lesser inventions like the Segway for this: His Vapor Compression Distiller. See here: Dean Kamen: Water Purifier on the Colbert Report .

National Geographic has done tremendous job researching and delivering powerful and moving information about the freshwater crisis. Click here: Thirsty? Get used to it.
Another related approach: Fog-catchers in Peru .
For those of you that like an eye-opening read, head over to this site: Water Crisis.
Startling facts about the global water crisis: Water Crisis Facts.

You want to contribute to something real? In the time it takes you to read this and donate, think about all the other things you could have done with your most valuable time: Posted 7 comments on facebook. Used 5 gallons of gas to go spend 7 dollars at your nearest Starbucks, Subway, McDonalds etc. Watched 4 possession exchanges and 12 penalties in a game of Basketball. Watched millionaire Baseball players adjust their cups and scratch their butts. Listened to something along the lines of - Shawty, you da best. Ridin on dem twenay foes. You doe no me niga ETC -I mean, shoot, YOU COULD HAVE SEEN THE GHOST OF MICHAEL JACKSON SHAKE HANDS WITH THE SPECTER OF PATRICK SWAYZE ON LIVE T.V.!!

Hopefully, you have caught the genuine intention of my crude social commentary and my sarcasm. Please help me give. I wish I could show you my meager bank account and my rigorous work and school schedule. Hey, if I can do this, YOU can do this.

Let's face it, we actually sacrifice very little. But what's small to us can be huge to someone who lacks basic health necessities. Just $20 is enough for one person to have clean water for two decades, for example.

Spread the word. Finally, make a difference. I thank you, and they thank you more.