All images copyright 24 Good Deeds. Used with permission. At right, Üte Shaw, Head of North America for 24 Good Deeds

An Advent Calendar that educates, informs, and supports

Starting in October each year, individuals and corporations begin thinking about surprising those close to them with holiday gifts. Recently, one of the more popular gifts has been advent calendars. By now, most of us have seen an advent calendar. Hiding behind numbered doors are treats or surprises that are only revealed when the door is opened. Traditionally, you are only allowed to open one door per day in December.

I’ve seen advent calendars promoting tea, chocolate and even whiskey. But none of these come close to accomplishing what the advent calendar from 24 Good Deeds does.

Based on an idea originating in Germany, for as little as $24, purchasing a calendar directly supports 24 charitable projects—six from each of four four key areas (health care, education, nutrition, and the environment). The charities and their projects are reviewed and approved by an independent advisory board, and must adhere to extremely high standards to be selected.

Behind every door, every day, individuals can see good deeds take place in the world.

Now that’s a holiday gift worth sharing.