For those of you who know Don Goldman - whether his work at Prism USA, Master Graphics, CAPVentures, or NAPL, or as a speaker and consultant - you know that he has a heart of gold.

At the end of January, Don returned from a two week trip to Senegal, West Africa. He went with a group from Salem MA that raised $5000 for computers they donated to a nonprofit school called the A.E.D.E.C. that provides an education to underprivileged children. The sewing machines were donated to the Manediarra Bousso Facility, a center run and organized by woman. Read about the group, the trip, and the donations in the Salem Gazette.

Don told me: "I am going to get more involved with this group. Seeing and hearing the thanks of the children is very gratifying." If you can't plan a trip to Senegal, talk to Don; you can give his group a hand.

Or you might look into Kiva (www.kiva.org) where you can make micro loans to small businesses around the world. Through Kiva I joined with 27 other people to make a $1,500 loan to Turning Point Printers, a small printing services business in Nakuru, Kenya. The loan went for equipment, including a computer, printer, and photocopier. Ms. Janet Kamau, owner, provides secretarial services and desktop printing. She produces business cards and flyers for businesses in her community.