The holidays are about a lot of things — being grateful, spending time with family, and giving thanks are some of the big ones. All of these are wonderful feelings to experience and are things that bring people closer together.

But as I get older I have started to think more about how so many others are not as fortunate as myself. Not only during the holidays, but year round as well. It’s hard to think about how some families in other parts of the world are literally starving. It’s made me stop and look into what I could be able to do to help others.

How do we help those are who need it? It’s hard to do. And being the holidays you often have friends and families asking what you want as a gift, or you are trying to figure out something to give them. This can also be really hard.

But why not ask for/give something that would help others?

Below I have five different charities that are dedicated to helping people around the world. A donation to any of these would would make excellent and genuine gifts.

1. Real Change.

Real Change is an award-winning weekly newspaper that provides immediate employment opportunity and takes action for economic, social, and racial justice.

2. Heifer International.

Through the collective power of economic development, food security and nutrition, and environmental sustainability, Heifer International believes they can empower small-scale farmers on the path to living incomes.

3. Aid to Artisans.

Aid to Artisans' mission is to create economic opportunities for low-income artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk.

4. Ali Forney Center.

The Ali Forney Center's mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently.

5. Save the Children.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the U.S. and around the world. They give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.