With the holidays just around the corner, Lendego, a national, grassroots, start up nonprofit organization, announces that it will officially begin connecting those who want to give with those in need, with peer to peer giving. Lendego exemplifies virtual giving; it is an online giving site in which individuals or teams  that would like to help others are connected with individuals, families, groups, or organizations in need. 

“Everyday, hardworking, honest Americans are struggling with job losses, health issues, natural disasters or any number of other circumstances, and many have nowhere to turn,” says Lendego founder and executive director Dennis Hodges. “These families and individuals are going through a tough time and just need a helping hand. At the same time, there are a lot of good hearted, fortunate families and individuals that want to help, but aren't sure how. Peer to peer giving gives those people the opportunity to easily help neighbors in need.”

Individuals or families struggling with difficult circumstances can contact Lendego for assistance. Recipients can post a need themselves or be submitted by a “sponsor” -- family members, a friend, church, employer or another nonprofit that is working to help meet the individual's need. After the need is verified by Lendego staff, their story is posted at www.Lendego.org; where givers can browse all the needs and select those for which they wish to help. Givers can give the amount they choose to each recipient. Once the need is met, Lendego disburses the funds directly to the family or individual in need. 

Hodges, the driving force behind the organization, developed the idea for Lendego after a mission trip to Honduras in 2007. Hodges brings 20 years of financial services experience, in banking and investment and in residential real estate, to his position as executive director. Because Lendego allows givers to direct funds to specific recipients, the organization is planning several fundraisers and seeking corporate sponsorships to cover operational expenses. The organization is also currently preparing for a holiday drive partnership, to be announced next month, with several big name retailers for a matching in-kind donation program for holiday meals and gifts for those in need.

Lendego's Board of Directors brings together a group of executives committed to improving their communities, representing the accounting, legal, finance and real estate industries and professions.

Lendego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Ga. that helps meet the needs of others by connecting them with individuals wishing to give. Lendego empowers its donors to choose the individuals, families, groups or organization they want to help. Powered by givers, Lendego positively impacts the lives of real people with real needs. With Lendego’s peer to peer giving platform, funds can be directed to specific individuals, families, groups or organizations in need. To learn more about Lendego, to post a need, to help someone in need or to donate to Lendego or learn more about its upcoming fundraisers and special events, visit www.Lendego.org or call 678-614-7000.