At this time of year many of us feel extra-inspired to contribute to charities and causes we believe in. Extending a helping hand to those less fortunate gets us into the spirit of the season and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside – and that’s reward enough.

But let’s face it, it’s fun to get stuff too. Who doesn’t enjoy a few new toys and trinkets during the holidays?

This year, I’m making a donation to a great cause that also offers me a chance to win something in return – that’s not my main motivation (honest), but it would be a nice bonus!

Passports with Purpose is an online travel-inspired fundraiser/raffle put together by a couple of travel bloggers – Debbie Dubrow of DeliciousBaby, Pam Mandel of Nerd’s Eye View, Michelle Duffy of WanderMom and Beth Whitman of Wanderlust and Lipstick – in support of Heifer International.

For over 60 years, this inspiring organization has been providing livestock and training to families and communities around the world (in line with the old “teach a man to fish” concept), creating self-reliant, sustainable solutions towards ending global poverty and hunger.

The Passports with Purpose gals put out the call to fellow travel bloggers to pony up prizes through sponsors or donations, and then encourage their readers to purchase $10 raffle tickets for this cause. The campaign runs from December 1 to December 29, and so far they’ve raised over $2,500 for Heifer International – more than half-way to their goal of $5000!

The prize booty includes hotel stays, culinary tours, luggage, clothing, video cameras, travel books, world music CDs and other gear, gadgets and gizmos to aide your travels, armchair or otherwise.

As a traveling parent, the items I’m eyeing include:

• A $100 gift certificate to Babies Travel Lite <, a worldwide delivery service for baby and toddler supplies (so you don’t have to lug them in your suitcase when you travel).
• A CARES Child Aviation Restraint System, the first and only FAA-approved 4-point flight safety harness for kids 22lbs to 44lbs.
• A $100 gift pack from Barefoot Books, my favorite publisher of globally-themed children’s books. This bundle includes 10 titles like We’re Sailing to Galapagos, Off We Go to Mexico and We All Went on Safari, plus a music CD, a world landmarks puzzle and a kiddie travel journal. If I win this prize, guess what the kids in my life will be getting in their stockings this year?

Even if I don’t win anything, I feel great about giving to Passports with Purpose and Heifer International – but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my name will be drawn for one of these items!

Please join me and buy a ticket or two yourself.