Jane Karigo is a foot and a half shorter than me, yet she’s the largest figure I know. For 22 years, since God told her in a dream to create the Calvary Zion Children’s Home, Jane has saved, raised, taught, fed, loved and sheltered orphans in Bamburi, Kenya. I wrote about Jane in my memoir, The Voluntourist, and for a Washington Post Magazine story that I’m THRILLED to say was selected for the 2020 edition of The Best American Travel Writing (available at bookstores if, you know, you’re looking for holiday gifts).
As we near the end of a dark year, I’d like to spotlight those who bring light to the world. If you’re in a giving mood this holiday season, here are eight extraordinary people and orgs I've profiled that deserve our support:
Be Someone Former at-risk student Orrin Hudson uses chess to develop Georgia kids’ critical thinking skills and inspire them to new heights.
Calvary Zion Children’s Home International teacher Susan Peattie created a trust to support Jane Karigo and her many, many children. Learn how you can sponsor a child.
Celebrate RVA While still in high school, Julia Warren started a nonprofit to celebrate the birthdays of disadvantaged kids in Richmond, Virginia.
Ferst Readers Sixty-one percent of low-income families don’t have children’s books in their homes. Robin Ferst-Marhaver formed a Georgia-based nonprofit to change that.
I Support the Girls Dana Marlowe’s org provides bras, underwear and hygiene products to D.C.-area homeless women. Another superb org is the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank, founded by Corrine Cannon, which has donated 12.7 million diapers to families.
One Global Village I joined founders Abigail Hayo and Tammy Neblock-Beirne, MD in India and Mali, where their nonprofit educates children and performs surgeries for people with little access to health care.
United Aid Foundation From Houston to Haiti, founder John Alex and his construction crews rebuild homes in areas devastated by disasters.
I feel blessed to have so many generous people in my life. Who are the best people in your life? I’d love to hear about the people who have enriched your world. Please contact me at ken@650000hours.com.
Ken Budd is the author of The Voluntourist and the host of 650,000 Hours. Sign up here for the monthly 650,000 Hours newsletter!