Pencils of Promise

Products raising money for a cause is nothing new. Whether it's the plethora of pink items supporting breast cancer or a Livestrong bracelet, we're used to giving money and being rewarded with a promo item.

Made with Pencils is grounded in the creativity of a few, propelled by the financial support of many, and most importantly, it's empowering generations to come.

One idea that development agencies tend to rely on is that there is this thing out there called a community, where people behave in a "communal" way of sharing and organizing, implicit within their societal structure.

Along with the Tuesday release of his holiday album, "Under The Mistletoe," Justin Bieber launched a charity campaign to benefit seven causes that off...

That mix of nervous anticipation and unbridled excitement reminded me of freshman orientation, but for the hundreds of students aboard the MV Explorer this semester, they are experiencing a cultural baptism by sea.

Pencils of Promise's goal is to build 100 schools by the end of 2012, and after having an intimate look into the workings of PoP, we have no doubt they will be successful.

Greg Mortensen has been able to accomplish tremendous feats by being one of the few people brave enough to work in the corners of Afghanistan and Pakistan to promote equal educational opportunities.

Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? Here's a thought: Skip the tie, scarf or gift card and use your time or money to help someone help someone.

Braun's story begins with a single child and a single pencil. During a backpacking trip around the world he had taken up a simple ritual: asking children if they could have one thing, what would it be?