Helping people in other countries, can also help the United States.

Take Greg Mortenson's charity www.ikat.org for example. He fights terrorism by providing education to Afghani and Pakistani kids, particularly girls. By spending a lot of time with people in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mortenson found out just how important a secular education is. The only option many kids in these countries have is to attend fundamentalist schools called madrassas where they are taught extremism. By providing secular educations, Mortenson ensures that kids learn there are ways of thinking other than just blindly following the extremist beliefs. They are then much less likely to become terrorists and suicide bombers, which ultimately helps the United States.

Surely that is a good thing, even though they don't live in the United States?

What the Ngobi's are doing is wonderful, and they have my respect and support. Any person helped, no matter where they live, is an awesome thing.

I had to hold back tears last year at the Angel Tree. A man stopped thanking ME and Salvation Army for all we do for them. I felt bad. I felt I wasn't really the one helping compared to Salvation Army. I just manned a post for a couple hours. I donate food and clothes and whatever else I can do. But if we ALL help just a bit. It helps if ALL the time frames are full. People will stop and ask questions and give if somebody is there vs not if the post is empty.

Thank you for volunteering, Frogger! Hope this story inspires more people to try to make a difference.

Wifezilla- I was thinking that after I wrote my comment. We still have all these way of helping yet families still are starving etc.
I do volunteer.

I think what they're doing is great. I realize there is poverty and need in this country, but at least we have a few options for help. We have Echo, Salvation Army, YWCA, Red Cross...etc. Some of these people in Uganda have nothing. No resources. The Ngobis are making a huge impact on the lives of people from their home country. I wonder how many people who are criticizing this idea would actually lift a finger to help alleviate poverty in our own community? How many of us actually donate or volunteer? Not enough of us. Kudos to them for making an effort to improve the lives of others regardless of the location.

I think I just aquired some of this jewerly.

I do wonder what about the people HERE.

who will follow the money?

Why not do this for our own country<We have so many in need right here the good old USA. Whay would i buy something to support another country? I can donate to local charities here and help the needy in my own back yard... Just my opinion.

The jewelry they are selling is beautiful and very unique! It would make a great holiday gift! Best of luck to you Joy and Gideon! Thank you for everything you have done (and will do in the future) to help the people of Uganda!

chelleandlou, most NGOs today prefer not to take in-kind donations, because the expense of handling and transporting and distributing them is more than the value of the items themselves. Frankly, if you want to help people overseas, find an appropriate charity and give cash.

Are they looking for donations of any specific items? Shoes, clothing, first aid, blankets, sheets, etc.

My daughter also has a bunch of stuffed animals she would like to donate, I know sending them to Uganda would be one destination she would be excited about after seeing the Watoto Childrens Choir.....

That's wonderful. I wish them well. I'd also like to see a similar venture for low-income artisans in our own community.