Contact: Caitlin Carlson, 503-595-1072

MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- As more and more shoppers are looking to give memorable gifts that truly make a difference, the humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps has taken this new gift-giving approach to heart with Mercy Kits, which support its lifesaving programs through it’s website at www.mercycorps.org/mercykits.

As holiday shopping time comes to a close, Mercy Corps has created the online charitable gift called Mercy Kits as a perfect last-minute gift.

Each Mercy Kit recipient receives an attractive personalized card from the friend or family member who purchased the kit. This colorful card offers insightful information about the program to which the donation was made. The Mercy Kit card can be printed off your home computer or emailed making it the ideal last minute gift idea.

Charitable gifts give people the opportunity to share a commitment or cause - such as the environment, hunger issues or children’s rights - with their friends and families while making a donation to humanitarian programs around the world.

“Instead of buying someone another pair of gloves or a picture frame, Mercy Kits are a way to send nutritious food to children in Africa – or help an impoverished family start a garden Guatemala. These gifts do something important, long after the holiday season has passed” says Mercy Corps’ Chief Development Officer, Matthew De Galan.

Mercy Corps and has made it easier for busy folks to complete their shopping lists by offering their gift catalog of more than 20 Mercy Kits online at www.mercycorps.org. Mercy Kits are also fully tax-deductible, making them a great year-end gift.

Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries to bring help and hope to over 10 million people. From immediate, lifesaving responses to disasters around the world to long-term work in troubled places like Afghanistan and Sudan's Darfur region, the organization is committed to the well-being of the world’s poorest families.

This year Mercy Kits include:
• The Kid’s Food Kit helps provide nutritious food to vulnerable children ($20).
• A Family Garden Kit helps families set up and maintain gardens in impoverished villages around the world ($35).
• The Peace Kit supports work in troubled places like Afghanistan and Sudan to help create safer communities ($50).

Other Mercy Kits support innovative, sustainable programs for agriculture, health and education.