There are gift guides all over the blogosphere and I had hoped to put together a Giving Guide this year. However, I have a charity that I believe deserves to be the only one that I promote this year.

Operation Smile is an organization that provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe. There are so many organizations that do wonderful things for others, however, I cannot look at the pictures of these children and not feel a tug at my heart. I just need to do something.

My children have plenty of toys and clothing and will surely get much more from friends and family this holiday season. They don't need these things from my husband and I. I want to give them the gift of knowing they are helping others. We will be purchasing a gift in the name of each of my children from the Operation Smile Store. There you can purchase pain medication for 12 children for $30, antibiotics for 10 children for $30 and many other services and items for as little as $20. Maybe pool some money together with friends and purchase a complete surgery for one lucky child for only $240.

So, if you can open your heart, and your pocketbook, please consider giving to this fabulous charity. I challenge you to visit Operation Smile and not want to do something for these children. I promise, you will get more satisfaction from this than any item of clothing, toy or gadget you can buy.

Visit the Smile Store here.

Give the Gift of Hope this Holiday Season