Give a gift that keeps on giving - clean water to those who need it most.

My birthday is coming up - a day that I typically forget about in the Christmas rush. But for those of you that do remember, and that want to do something, here is my list: please donate to charity: water in lieu of a gift. This year, even more than most, I don't really need additional things.

I have no desire to make people feel obligated. I enjoy a 'Happy Birthday' or just general well wishes at any time of the year as much as money or a gift. But if you feel inspired to get something for my birthday this year, this is the one thing on my list.

Every day, 1,400 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

100% of every dollar you donate to my birthday campaign will be used to build clean water projects in developing countries. charity: water funds their operating costs separately through a group of private donors, so 100% of all public donations will go directly to people in need.