As the holidays are upon us, this newsletter is featuring Whole Planet Foundation and fellow organizations working to end poverty in their own unique ways: Pro Mujer, GlobalGiving, Heifer International, The Miracle Foundation and Comfort the Children International. We hope you enjoy learning about their programs and the ways you can give gifts that keep on giving.

Your generosity has helped us reach new communities in Ecuador, El Salvador, Malawi and Morocco. WPF has authorized $17 million (£10.9 million) and disbursed $9.7 million (£6.25 million) for microlending programs through microfinance partners in 27 countries, empowering over 111,000 entrepreneurs, 91% women clients with a 97% repayment rate. Like client Manuela (pictured here courtesy of Sophie Eckrich), each woman supports on average an additional four family members, which in turn benefits over half a million people. Create your own donation page on our website to raise a loan and change lives.

GlobalGiving, a Whole Planet Foundation partner, is spotlighting Pena Blanca, Guatemala, an impoverished Mayan community near Lake Atitlan where Whole Foods Market sources coffee and where Team Members volunteer and provide meals, teach literacy skills and build stoves. You can donate funds for meals, school programs, and carbon-efficient stoves.

For over 66 years, Heifer’s model of sustainable development has helped transform communities from poverty to self-reliance. More than 12 million families that faced insurmountable issues now have hope and a future because of Heifer's work . It's math you can't ignore. One cow. One family. One giant impact. Learn how in this short video. Heifer animals make great holiday gifts for your friends, co-workers and family. Heifer's unique gift catalog offers over 20 unexpected holiday gifts ranging from llamas, chickens and goats to knitter’s baskets and a full ark of animals. You’ll find surprising, meaningful gifts for everyone on your list.

The Miracle Foundation empowers orphans to reach their full potential, one child at a time. By providing a depth of care unprecedented in most orphanages, The Miracle Foundation gives orphaned children all they need to break the cycle of poverty. This model includes a family-style living environment where a trained housemother cares for no more than ten children and provides love and attention, something most orphans are denied, a college-prep education, nutritious food, and excellent healthcare. The Miracle Foundation also supports community programs that provide free meals, education, and daycare to local children which prevents future economic orphans by allowing their parents to work. Ways You Can Help

Providing hope through relationships and using a holistic approach to community development, Comfort the Children International (CTC) is empowering our world. CTC's logo is a handprint symbolizing their mission. It's through CTC's LIFE bag program that Florence was able to learn the life skill of sewing. After joining this program she was able to earn a salary and enroll her daughter Ruth into CTC's Malaika Kids school for children with special needs. Ruth entered Malaika Kids school with a physical disability that prevented her from walking. Two years after entering the program Ruth is empowered, living in a constructive environment and walks to school each day. Purchase a bag and watch the video about Florence and Ruth.