There are more than 6.6 billion people (and counting) on our blue planet, and the majority of them don’t have it as good as you do. Is this your fault? Of course not. Is this your problem? No, we’re not saying that, either. But can you make a difference? Absolutely.

And if you look deep into our hearts, 99% of us would like to lend a hand, whether that be helping the poor, the handicapped, orphans, victims of natural disasters or even little wild critters. Few of us actually do, however.

Sure, we have our own lives to lead. But our inaction stems not so much from selfishness as it is due to the fact we simply don’t know where to start. Well, here’s your starting point, would-be angels. Everyone have something to give, and there are millions of ways you can make a difference—it’s not necessary to be Bill Gates. And who knows? By giving, you might receive something back in unexpected ways. Here’s a list of opportunities for you to volunteer, share, donate and support.

You have time

We know you’re busy, but come on, you still veg in front of the TV and go to the mall.

Evenings

The Goodwill Group (2/F, Ruam Rudee Bldg. 3, 51/2 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd., 02-253-8493/02-255-4176. Open Sat-Thu 9:30am-8pm. www.goodwillbangkok.com) is a private Thai foundation set up to help disadvantaged women through education. The Goodwill Group is seeking people who are willing to commit at least three months to teach basic computer skills, including how to use email, the internet and Microsoft applications in Thai. It is also seeking Thais and foreigners who are willing to give two-three hours a week for at least six months teaching English. Interested? Email [email protected] for more details.

Weekends

Pakkred Home for Boys (2 Moo1 Tambon Bangtalad, Pakkred, Nontaburi, 02-583-8343. www.pakkredhome.org) was founded to prevent at-risk children from being drawn to criminal lives. There are over 200 boys there who are orphans, children of dysfunctional parents and/or who face extreme poverty. The Pakkred Home provides a nourishing environment in which they can learn handicrafts, electrical and agricultural skills, and it finds families to adopt them. Call if you want to visit them or donate a free lunch.

Vacations and holidays

Holidays that help improve the lives of those you visit are on the rise. Consider Kon Asa project (Room 907, 9/F, 41 Lertpanya Bldg., Soi Sri Ayutthaya, 02-642-7991/2 ext 16. www.siamvolunteer.com), one of the Mirror Foundation projects. The group occasionally seeks out volunteers for activities such as building homes for victims of disasters and teaching kids in remote areas.

Or, you can choose your favorite location in our beautiful country and help build and repair homes for the poor with Habitat for Humanity Thailand (15/F, SSP Tower, 555 Sukhumvit 63, 02-711-6934. www.habitatthailand.org). They differ from other volunteer groups in that they don’t believe charity without responsibility. Benefactors work side-by-side with volunteers to build their own homes, and they have to pay for the actual cost of materials (with the help of zero interest payment plans organized by the group).

Extended Periods

The Foundation for Karen Hilltribes in Thailand (16/4 Soi Intamara 15, Suthisarn Rd., 02-271-1787. www.karenhilltribes.org.uk) is looking for the kind of volunteer who wants to be immersed in a real hilltribe community and spend 4-5 hours a week for three months (or more) teaching English to rural children. No TOEFL qualification required but you’ll need some training first.

You have cash

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can help improve the lives of the less fortunate. Check out these places and see what your money can do.

The Foundation for Children (95/24 Moo 6, Soi Kiat Ruammitra, 02-814-1481. www.fcc.or.th) is dedicated to improving children’s reading skills. You can help by ordering sets of books from its website which will be sent to 200 school libraries in Thailand and across our borders. For only B700-1,000 you can give one community a chance to explore a whole world of knowledge and imagination.

Not too far from Bangkok lies a peaceful place for HIV patients: Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu, Lopburi (www.aidstemple.org.th). There, those suffering from AIDS can receive good care and a proper education about the disease. to make a donation: account number 579-233730-7, Siam Commercial Bank, Lopburi branch (or visit http://www.aidstemple.th.org/howtodonation.html for other banks).

Amnesty International Thailand (641/8 Ladprao Rd., 02-938-7746. www.amnesty.or.th) has long been raising awareness of human rights issues. Its recent campaigns include eradicating violence against women, stopping the death penalty and claiming rights for refugees. You can make a donation online.

Founded in 1974, World Vision Thailand (582/18-22 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-8863/-5. www.worldvision.or.th) is an affiliate of the worldwide Christian network World Vision. They strive to improve overall living standards, particularly for children. You can sponsor its children adoption project by donating at least B450 monthly to one child.

To reduce a newborn’s chances of contracting HIV from its mother, Thai Red Cross AIDS Project (The Thai Red Cross Society, 1871 Rama 4 Rd., 02-256-4107/-9) gives free AZT medicine to HIV-positive pregnant women. To support them, contribute your money to its saving account: 045-2-31605-7, Siam Commercial Bank, Thai Red Cross branch. Then fax ATM slip to Khun Ladda, 02-254-7577 (write “Save a child’s life from Aids projects” on the top), so they can send you a receipt.

Baan Tantawan is a shelter for malnourished and abused children run by the Foundation for Children (666 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-438-9331/2 or 02-814-1481/-7). Savings account name: Foundation for Children. Account number: 236-0-30989-8, Bangkok Bank, Nhongkham branch. Not only money, but food, toys, sport equipment and stationeries are needed; visit www.fcc.or.th/info/lack.php for details on how to donate such items.

Sueb Nakhasathien devoted his life to preserving Thai forests and wildlife. Help aid his dream to keep our open spaces safe by donating to the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation (693 Bldg. 4, Department of Medical Sciences, Bumrungmuang Rd., 02-224-7838/9. www.seub.or.th). Account number: 053-2-38652-4, Siam Commercial Bank, Bangbua branch.

With your money, rape victims can be helped to regain their self-esteem. Donate to the Kanitnaree Center (Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, 501/1 Dechatungkha Rd., Sikan, 02-929-2222. www.apsw-thailand.org) at account number 135-2-00041-6, Thai Military Bank, Songprapa branch.

To promote the idea that the blind can contribute to society, the Music Association for the Blind (Khun Komkrij 08-9201-2020, K.Boy 08-9179-1911. www.mabthai.com) has formed a professional band called “Memory.” You can support them by hiring the band for events at B150/hour. Or donate to the association at account number 374-1-34258-7, Bank of Ayudha, Kasetsart branch.

The one and only counseling center for transsexuals, Sisters Counseling Center (29/44 Moo 10, Soi Yen Sbai, Phratumnak Rd., Pattaya), provides essential sex education to transsexuals to decrease HIV infection rates among them. To help them build a well-educated community, you can donate to account number 205-0-47385-5, Bangkok Bank, Ploenchit branch.

The Friends of the Asian Elephant organization (687/2 Ramindra Rd., 02-509-1200. www.elephant.or.th) needs financial assistance to help domestic elephants that are sick and injured as well as to give old elephants a last refuge. Make a donation at the organization’s account number 088-2-20983-0, Kasikorn Bank, Ramindra. 111-2-27207-8, Siam Commercial Bank, Rachayothin.

You have stuff

Our homes are full of unused stuff. Toys we haven’t touched in ages, spare blankets that always stay in a brown-paper box or clothes that never leave the closet. Here’s where to give these things a new life.

Glasses

Founded in 1993 and supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirinthorn, the Wankaew Project has been helping many people to see the world more clearly. Drop off your old eyeglasses in boxes across town at any Better Vision (Hor Waen) store, Major Cineplex or UBC counter.

Mettapracharak Hospital’s Eyeglasses Bank in Nakhon Prathom helps underprivileged children with poor eyesight. Donate your old eyeglasses to Mettapracharak (Wat Raikhing) Hospital (52 Moo 2, Raiking, Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, 034-321-983/-5 ext 2101/02.) Cash donations are also appreciated.

Bicycles

Your old bicycles can be a rural children’s way to get to school, not to mention the source of a lot of fun moments. The Thailand Cycling Club (Chula Soi 6, Pathumwan Rd., 02-612-4747. www.thaicycling.com) operates a “Recycled Bicycle Project” to get shabby bikes back in good condition and hand them over to kids in rural areas.

Toys

Old and unwanted children’s toys can bring smiles to the faces of less privileged kids through the BMA’s Toy Bank program. They welcome any toys, new or old—especially educational toys. Please clean and repair toys before donating them. Drop them off at Suan Aoy Youth Center (Sukhothai Rd., Dusit, 02-243-2706).

Food, Books and Learning Tools

Nuannoi “Khru Noi” Timkul uses her home as a free day-care center for poor slum children. At Baan Kru Noi (No. 319, Moo 1, Soi Rat Burana 26, 02-871-3083), kids are in reliable hands. The home is in constant need of food, books and learning tools. You can also donate money: account number 117-2-15788-2, Bangkok Bank of Commerce, Rat Burana branch.

Baan Unrak (36 Moo 3 Tambon Nhonglu, Kanchanaburi, 034-595-428) is home to 106 orphans and kids with disabled moms. Since 1991, the place has been a home, a school, a skilled-training center and much more. They need food, stationery, toys and just about anything that can be useful to kids. Call in advance before visiting them or mail your stuff directly to Sanklaburi.

Issarachon organization (95/617 Pansak Villa, Boromratchonnanee Rd., 02-884-5711/2. http://gotoknow.org/planet/vacanet) works with homeless children, people with disabilities and prostitutes. Currently, the organization needs help for children with HIV-infected parents. You can help them by sending clothes, food and stationery. Or donate your money to Samakom Sangsan Kijjagam Issarachon’s saving account 031-0-03432-9, Krungthai Bank, Pinklao.

Animals need help, too. The Home for Handicapped Animals Foundation (15/1 Moo 1, Soi Phramahagarun, Tiwanon Rd., Nontaburi, 02-584-4896, 02-961-5625) picks up dogs, cats, birds, monkeys or even turtles up that are wounded, starving, or disabled and gives them food and medical attention. Things like food, garbage bags, shampoo, syringes, towels, Betadine and old newspapers are always needed.

Computers

The National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (144/9 Moo Baan Thitiporn, Soi Pattanakarn 29, 02-717-1902/3) fights for the rights of the deaf and develops their skills. They need your old computers to enhance educational opportunities for deaf people. You can give your old machine or make a cash donation to The National Association of the Deaf in Thailand’s saving account: 028-2-60253-9, Siam Commercial Bank, Klong Tan branch.

You have skills

Medical Knowledge or Experience

The Kevorkian Foundation (59/33 Soi Than Ying Phuangrathana Prapoi, Sukhumvit 26, 02-258-5252. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm. www.bangkokbabyhome.com) is a home for children infected with HIV. They are in need of volunteers with medical backgrounds or experience who can lend their skills and their affection to young children. For more info, contact Linda Der Kevorkian at 08-1841-4838.

Veterinary and Other Animal-Related Skills

Soi Dog Rescue (www.soidogrescue.com, [email protected]) works to improve the lives of Bangkok’s street dogs by administering birth control—spraying and neutering through field clinics. Street dogs under their care are vaccinated, treated, tattooed for monitoring and collared before being released again. They need many types of volunteers (see their site for a “wish list” of volunteers they need as well as much needed supplies).

Writing or Translating

Action Aid Thailand (717 Soi Boromratchonnani 4, 02-886-5276, 02-886-6369. www.actionaid.org/thailand) as a part of Action Aid international has one main objective: fighting poverty. It has many projects, one of which is to use the power of writing. If you have good English writing skills, use it for society’s sake. The organization needs people to pen articles, case studies, reports or anything that can improve general ignorance of poverty. Just contact them at the address above or email [email protected].

In Laos, good books are rare, especially quality books for children. To broaden the horizon of Lao children, Big Brother Mouse (Xiangmouan Village, Sothikuman Rd., House No. 19/02, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, 856-20-583-780. www.bigbrothermouse.com) decided to publish bilingual Lao-English books and donate them to schools around the country. If you love to write and would like to help our neighbor, send your English non-fiction writing to [email protected]. They will have children read your stories, then simplify and translate them before handing them out to school libraries.

You Have More

Little time, strapped for cash, already gave out everything in your home except the mat you sleep on? Give blood! It’ll make the difference between life and death for someone, so you could even see it as the ultimate gift (except maybe for the one below). Drop by the National Blood Center (Thai Red Cross Society, 1871 Henri Dunant Rd., 02-252-4106/-9) and you should be in and out in 15 minutes. Plus, you get a free snack, tea and coffee.

You won’t be around to enjoy the benefits of this one, but this is really the gift of life. If you are under 60 and have no chronic disease, make sure that you fill out an organ donor card at the Organ Donation Center (Thai Red Cross Society 1871 Henri Dunant Rd., 02-252-4106/-9, www.organdonate.in.th) or visit the website. You’ll receive a donor card which will testify to your wish to have your organs donated after your death.

Just Click

Can’t get away from your screen long enough to do anything but pick up BK? Fear not, in the 21st century, helping others is just a click away.

www.lightamillioncandles.com.

Child abuse is nothing new, but the internet gave it a new life. Simply lighting a candle online can save innocent children from online child pornography by raising global awareness on this issue.

www.charityusa.com

This is a network of charity organizations that you can help simply by clicking on their front page ever day. You’ll find the www.thebreastcancersite.com, www.theliteracysite.com and www.theanimalrescuesite.com there and more. You can also link to these sites by choosing one of the many logos listed on CharityUSA.com and put them on your blog or home page. Every time you click on a logo, the money from the ads on that page will be sent to them.

www.thaigiving.org

This Donation Exchange Center website is the give-and-take hub of Thailand. Originally an e-charity project, Internet Thailand expanded into a place where people in need can post their requests online and donators can choose from them.

www.thaingo.org

Website with searchable charity news, events and updates for Thai non-governmental organizations.

www.greenpeace.or.th

This is the ultimate hub for the environmentally conscious. Take a tour around Greenpeace’s site to see their current projects and sign online petitions for those topics that matter to you. No need to photocopy your ID or passport, just fill in an online form and it will go straight to government officials (then pray that they’ll listen).

www.stop-childbegging.org

Take child beggars off the streets today! First, don’t give to them. Most people don’t realize that while they are doing kusol, hoping their money will help these children get their next meal, they are actually supporting a huge human abuse network. Help the foundation by reporting child beggars in your neighborhood and by giving these children food instead of money.

www.neilsonhayslibrary.com/amazon

If you are a huge bookworm and regularly order books from Amazon.com, you can do the Neilson Hays Library (195 Suriwongse Rd., 02-233-1731) a big favor. Every Amazon book purchased through the Neilson Hays’ site will result in a discount on the books ordered by the library.