It's hard for me to imagine a more basic human right than access to potable water. It is, very clearly, fundamental and essential. It's hard for me to imagine that there are still untold numbers who must trudge several miles to scoop muddy water out of cow ponds, and then bring that diseased water back to their families to drink. Whatever your politics, whatever your allegiances, surely we can all agree on the urgent necessity of providing these men, women and children with the basic human right of clean, accessible drinking water.

This September, please consider donating whatever seems appropriate to charity: water. All donations go directly and fully to operations in northern Ethiopa that will provide entire villages with clean access to this essential resource. And please spread the word so that we can achieve our ambitious goal of raising $500 by the end of the month.

All donations are made in the name of Sofia Dale Clark, who celebrates her birthday on September 27. Sofia is turning two. Charity: water is five. And though these numbers should and will be celebrated, they also tell a grim tale. Twenty-seven thousand children under the age of five die every week from unsafe drinking water and unhygienic conditions brought about, largely, because of restricted access to an acceptable water source. With your help, we can see that Sofia grows up in a world where this sad and embarrasing truth is a thing of the past.