Living in a first world country, it's easy to take the simple things for granted. This time of year especially reminds me of this as the season of gift giving is upon us. While I do cherish the moment I unwrap a carefully chosen gift from a loved one, I am also reminded that there are many people in our world who don't get this opportunity, or aren't given something even more basic.

What am I talking about?

Clean drinking water and access to it.

Did you know that 800 million people are living without clean drinking water on our planet? I didn't know that until this year, when I attended Inbound and heard Scott Harrison, the founder and CEO of charity: water, speak of people in Cambodia, India, Africa, and so many other communities faced with this plight. "What's so bad about this?" one might say. Dirty water leads to a host of life-threatening ailments including tumors, cholera, Hepatitis A, and many more (Learn more here: http://www.charitywater.org/whywater/). We are very lucky here in the US to not even think twice about this.

It costs $65 to bring a family in Cambodia clean drinking water. With a goal of $1000, that helps at least 15 families, countless people, and a community. This is where I would like to start.

So please, consider donating to my campaign. The wonderful folks here at charity: water have made it very easy to donate, and 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to the project. Give any amount you feel comfortable with; it doesn't have to be a large sum. Every dollar helps! There's also the option to donate anonymously.

And please know that I am very serious about this. Don't buy me a single gift, I don't want them. If you intend to get me anything, please, donate to this campaign. That would mean the world to me, and it's all I want for Christmas.

So come on, friends, let's help people and make this campaign a success!

Thank You and Happy Holidays!

<3 Gwen