The other day I received a reminder email from Kiva to relend the money in my Kiva account. The goal: lend money to eager entrepreneurs from around the world who are going to great lengths to overcome the grip of poverty.

As we approach the holiday season and are overwhelmed with messages telling us about the hottest gifts and “must have” gadgets, I’d like to recognize the work of a remarkable organization that works with the world’s most vulnerable people.