Giveaway: World Vision Colors of Africa Bracelet and Earrings Set

The holidays are quickly approaching and our lives are getting hectic with decorating, shopping, parties, wrapping and more! I am as guilty as the next person (if not more so) of getting caught up in the craziness and forgetting the true meaning of Christmas.

The fine folks at World Vision have offered a few ideas to make sure that you keep your heart in the holidays:

- Organize a family giving night and have kids select charitable gifts from an organization such as the World Vision Gift Catalog. Talk with your children about how giving back changes lives of children and families living in poverty and that their efforts truly make a difference.

- Host a house party for friends and family and ask your guests to contribute to a share of a group gift such as a farm animal, winter clothing or school supplies to families in need, or even a water well. Make the selection of the item, how to raise funds for that gift, and the collection of the money a collaborative, group effort.

- Be active in your giving -- volunteer at your local homeless shelter or senior living center; cook a meal or bake cookies for an elderly family member or neighbor.

Another way to give back is by ordering gifts through the World Vision Gift Catalog. The unique catalog offers more than 250 items that help fight poverty and save lives here in US and around the world. Donors can select one of the 30+ Handcrafted Gifts that can be given as a beautiful gift and at the same time help those in need.

World Vision is very near and dear to my heart. A few years ago, my husband and I wanted to help others and also let our children now just how fortunate they are. We decided to sponsor two African children, and we've continued to keep in touch with them. We receive letters from both of them letting us know how they and their families are faring as well as how they are doing in school. I feel so fortunate that we are in a situation where we give back.

But you don't have to sponsor a child to make a difference. Just check out the gorgeous gifts available in the World Vision Gift Catalog. Some examples of the gifts they offer include:

- Colors of Africa Bracelet & Earring Set: This gorgeous Zakale jewelry set is handmade from recycled materials by Kenyan artisans reclaiming their own lives from poverty.

- Cinnamon Box: Created from the dried inner bark of Cassia (Cinnamon) trees by skilled artisans in Vietnam; these boxes help families receive social and health insurance as well as the opportunity to apply for scholarship funds.

- Hand-woven Headband: This beautiful, 100% cotton headband woven by skilled workers in Lake Atitlan in Guatemala helps address urgent needs of children, families or communities that might otherwise go unmet.

- Ornament Set: This set includes three handmade Zakale wire and bead animal trio ornaments from Nairobi.

- Gertie the Plush Goat: Gertie is available exclusively through World Vision and represents farm animals that are donated to children and families around the world and provide a steady supply of nutritious food and the surplus can be sold for extra income.

In addition with your donation, you can provide life-changing animals, clean water, items for schools, and even give hope to sexually exploited women.

My personal favorite is the Colors of Africa Bracelet and Earring Set. I was fortunate enough to receive this set and I can assure you that it's lovely. (The photo really doesn't do it justice!) All of the pieces are handmade in Nairobi from recycled materials and it's sure to be a conversation starter every time you wear it! I just adore the brightly colored charms!

Product Description: Help where it's needed most ... AND get a gift for yourself or someone you care about! With your gift of $100 or more to where most needed — which provides for the unique needs of children and families worldwide — you will receive this gorgeous Zakale bracelet and earring set from Nairobi. Zakale crafts are made from recycled materials by Kenyan artisans, who received a loan from World Vision to grow their business and lift themselves out of poverty. 

Approximate sizes: bracelet 8" long, earrings 2" long. Each is unique - size and color may vary slightly. -- World Vision

And now for the really fun part! I have the Colors of Africa Bracelet and Earrings Set to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before December 11th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

If you are interested in learning more about World Vision USA or their gift ideas, please check out their Facebook page and Twitter at @WorldVisionNews or @WorldVisionUSA. You can also take a look at this video which explains how the Gift Catalog works.