'Tis the Season of Giving on YouTube

As you're making that list of presents and checking it twice, there are several YouTube channels that are hoping you'll add a charitable donation to your gift-giving plans.

Nonprofit organization Changing the Present is asking users to donate livestock -- the real gift that keeps on giving -- to impoverished farmers, while Marine Toys for Tots invites you to supply a toy for a child in need. Socially responsible organizations are also getting in on the act. This holiday season, for every pair of shoes purchased, Tom's Shoes will donate another pair to a child in Ethiopia:

And if you just want to go the old-fashioned route and donate money straight to charity, many YouTube nonprofit partners have a Google Checkout button embedded right on their channel pages, making it easier than ever to donate to a good cause.

Already done your part for those less fortunate? You can help spread the joy of giving through the Vlogbrothers' Project for Awesome. All you have to do to participate is create a video about your favorite charity or cause and encourage the YouTube community to support it. The Vlogbrothers have even have promised to donate $1000 to the charity that inspires the best video – so get to work!



Happy Holidays,

Ramya R.