Explore the NW: spreading the love

You don't live in the Pacific Northwest long before you meet someone who has volunteered with Medical Teams International (formerly Northwest Medical Teams). The charitable organization sends medical professionals of all sorts--doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists--to help people without access to care. Teams of volunteers provide disaster relief, humanitarian aid and medical training all over the world. Here in the Northwest, their free mobile dental clinics serve thousands of folks each year. Although the organization is motivated by Christian principles, it serves any one in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

One easy way to support Medical Teams International is to shop from their Gifts of Hope catalog. Browse through the different gift options--from pre-natal care to disaster kits to dental visits--then make a donation toward one in your gift recipient's name. I've found that intangible gifts like these make wonderful presents for tiny babies (their parents appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift and the fact that they didn't get yet another stuffed animal). And good news for last-minute shoppers: because you can send an eCard to notify the recipient, your gift won't even be late.

You can also support them by making a charitable donation toward their work. And if you're a medical professional living in the Pacific Northwest, you might even consider volunteering your time.