It's that time of year again when we are all just a little more thankful for what we have and start thinking of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
It's no secret that economic times are hard and Yahoo reports that Business Week is paying tribute to those of the financially elite that have gone out of their way to use their money for good.
Some of the names will surprise you, others won't.
#1 Warren Buffett, the world's second richest man, gave a total of $40.6 billion. He has a $31 billion commitment to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has set aside billions for the Suzan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the NoVo Foundation.
#2 Bill & Melinda Gates gave $2.6 billion through their Seattle family foundation which is "committed to ensuring all people have the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives."
#3 George Kaiser had $2.3 billion going into his Tulsa-based Foundation, The George Kaiser Family Foundation, that provides a number of services such as pre-natal care and early childhood education.
#4 George Soros has given $2.2 billion through his networks that aim to help make open and democratic societies around the world. On his list has been education in Liberia, microfinance in India and mental health in Moldova.
#5 William Barron Hilton gave $1.7 billion after promising that 97 percent of his wealth would go to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation after his claims in both Hilton Hotels and Harrah's Entertainment where bought out.
#6 The Walton family gave $1.38 billion through the Walton Family Foundation which works for education reform, Mississippi Delta economic developments, quality-of-life initiatives in Arkansas and initiatives to sustain marine and fresh water fishing.
#7 Herbert & Marion Sandler dropped $1.3 billion to the Sandler Foundation which has a number of causes such as news medium Pro Publica and scientific research.
#8 Peter Peterson gave $1.1 billion. He donated $1 billion to get the Peter G. Foundation up and going this year in the hopes of educating Americans, encouraging fiscal responsibility and cutting of excessive spending.
#9 Donald Bren gave $908 million to education - $8.5 million went to THINK Together after-school programs and is reported to be one of the largest private donations to after-school programs in California history.
#10 Michael Bloomberg gave $903 million - $250 million is part of a four-year effort toward Reduce Tobacco Use and is in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also supports the Bloomberg's Family Foundation.
Hopefully, this abundance of generosity will inspire you to do some research and make donations this holiday season to an organization of your choice to help those in need.