With Christmas (and my birthday) coming up, I’ve been asked what I'd like a few times. My answer genuinely is: nothing.

I've been blessed with so much already, and gifts just really aren't my thing. But I understand that for most people, giving gifts is really rewarding. So, instead of giving me something I really don't need, how about doing something even better with your money?

That's right, I'd like you to give your money to help fund clean drinking water for those who don't have it.

Two years ago, we raised $520! And just last month our money helped complete a project in Ethiopia that serves 300 people! Stop and think about that for a moment, 300 real people have clean drinking water because of people like you and me caring enough to give just a tiny fraction of the bounty that we have.

This year I'd love it if you could donate to my campaign again. But, I'd also like you to consider doing something else, something a bit crazier.

Would you consider picking just one person that you'd normally receive a gift from at Christmas, and asking them to donate to charity:water in your behalf instead of giving you a gift?

If we raised $520 for my Christmas alone in 2014, just imagine how much we could raise collectively if we all chose to forego receiving a gift or two in favor of helping someone else enjoy a clear glass of water.

We can have an incredible impact.

One of my favorite Christmas memories ever, happened when I was just a kid. At that time our family didn't have much money, and Christmas was probably gonna pretty light on presents. But a man showed up at the door with a big bag of gifts. I can't recall who it was, what he said, or even what the gifts were. But even today, I remember feeling so grateful for his generosity. He wasn't my parent, my sibling, or even my close friend, but he saw an opportunity to give, and he acted. His kindness has stuck with me for over 20 years.

Now, you may have not been planning on getting me a Christmas gift this year, and I know you're busy giving to the many people you already know well. But I'd ask you—if you're able—to please give $20 to help a few people get clean water.

You can rest assured that 100% of our donations go straight to creating clean water projects. We'll even get GPS coordinates and pictures as proof when the project is done. I'd love to have your help.

Thank you,
-Conor