There are already many articles that speak of Kiva.org on hubpages and elsewhere, so why write another one? Because the following is simply my own shared experience, nothing more. It needs to be written down, and perhaps someone will read it and benefit from it.

In February of 2007, I somehow discovered the Kiva site. I had already done some work using JustGive.org and liked the concept, but Kiva immediately appealed to me and I not only joined and loaned money, but I also began a podcasting project that ultimately led to creating what I hope will soon be over funds for over 100 loans.

At that time, Kiva had not been Oprahfied or mentioned on Nightline or in Bill Clinton's book. It was badly in need of publicity. When Oprah et al finally got on the bandwagon, Kiva then began to not have enough loans for the regulars like myself. What a great situation, compared to not enough lenders.

I contacted Dave Nelsen, CEO of Talkshoe right then. I remember it was a Saturday morning and he answered my email with "Call me on my cell right now!" and thus began our plan to do the first live 24 hour "Talkathon" to raise Kiva awareness. The event took place in March of 2007 and was a great success considering the modest means at our disposal. Dave and I are both thrilled to have been a part of this experience as are the other Talkshoe hosts that took shifts on this all day all night event.

As many other have said, we all have so much more than most of the people on this planet and yet we spend most of our time looking straight ahead both on the street and on the Internet. Here's a painless way to give a big helping hand to peoples of the world to show that someone does care.

Now, my experience in 89 loans a-to date: I have received and re-loaned most of the original loans made last year. The other are all in the process of being paid back. Make no mistake, the only interest you get is the great feeling of making a difference but no matter how modest your help ($25 will do) that difference is huge to the person who gets a loan. Huge.

I'm very much heartened by young people I see in our supermarkets doing a day for various charity organizations and often wonder why I didn't do anything wonderful like this when I was their age. I may have woken up late, but I now get a real "high" out of the work I'm doing for Kiva and I know I'm not alone. We at kivfriends.org and the many other "kiva fan clubs" all know we are addicted to this activity because of the great feeling it gives.

Check out the Kiva site and look at the great work being done. If you can't afford to give, consider at least raising awareness of others by talking about it on forums, blogs, hubs, and wherever else you express yourself. You will never regret the helping hand you offer someone, and believe me, they won't either.