I wanted to let you know about Mercy Corps, a global relief-and-development organization working in some of the world's most difficult and remote places.

They're in more than 35 countries -- amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability -- working to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. They believe that it's only when communities set their own agendas, raise their own resources and implement programs themselves, that their first successes result in the renewed hope, confidence and skills to continue development.

What's more, their judicious use of donations has earned them the highest efficiency rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator.

You can read more about them at www.mercycorps.org.