This holiday season show you care by supporting children with special needs. Nonprofit organizations and foundations around the country need your tax-deductible donations to fund research projects and your time as a volunteer to further their causes. Your donations support the missions of these charities, each driven to finding cures for childhood diseases and illnesses or enhancing the lives of children with special needs.

Make-A-Wish Foundation®
Christopher James Greicius and his mother, Linda, had become friends with U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin in 1977. Chris and Tommy became instant friends, for Chris had always dreamed of becoming a police officer. When Chris' condition worsened in the spring of 1980, Tommy took Chris for a ride in a police helicopter. Chris was sworn in as the first ever and only honorary state trooper in Arizona history and on May 1 was presented with an official Arizona Highway Patrol uniform. On May 3, 1980, Chris Greicius passed away, but not before realizing his greatest dream.

Those involved in granting Chris' wish realized that there were many other ill children who could benefit from having their wish granted. The Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial, which later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was born.

By granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has provided hope, strength and joy to millions of children and their families since 1980. Today, more than 81 percent of the revenue received by the Make-A-Wish Foundation goes toward program services.

To support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer your time, donate via their Web site, purchase holiday cards, note cards and calendars at their online store or call 1-866-880-1382.

This Little Light™
Founded in 1992 by Ranlyn Tilley Hill, her sister, Allison, and 10 of their friends, This Little Light supports the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in Los Angeles, Calif. Ranlyn and Allison’s brother, “Baby Randy,” spent his last days at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Randy's stay at Children's Hospital Los Angeles inspired the group to begin This Little Light, and Randy's favorite song provided the name.

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division, headed by Dr. John Reinisch, funds the research, education and clinical efforts to support children in need of reconstructive surgery. Their mission is to provide the opportunity for children to live normal and healthy lives.

You may make a tax-deductible donation to This Little Light by mailing a check to This Little Light, In Support of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 11693 San Vicente Blvd., #128, Los Angeles, CA 90049-5124. Volunteers living in Los Angeles interested in helping this charity can call the This Little Light hotline at (310) 472-4642.

Children's Cancer Research Fund
For more than 20 years, Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) has been fighting the battle of childhood cancer. This battle was lost by Katie Hageboeck, whose legacy of hope sparked the formation of CCRF in an effort to rid the world of childhood cancer. Katie inspired families who, in turn, have inspired others to volunteer, support and give to this worthy cause.

CCRF supports the University of Minnesota's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplant and Epidemiology programs. Their future vision is three-fold: Expand laboratory, clinical and population research activities; develop immune-based therapeutics for childhood cancer; and develop research relating to the treatment and biology of childhood brain tumors.

Cancer is the leading cause of death by illness among children. One out of every 350 children is diagnosed with cancer and one-quarter do not survive. CCRF is committed to carrying out Katie's dream of a world without childhood cancer, but they need your help. Make a donation online at CCRF's Web site or by calling 1-888-4CCRF-48.

Variety – The Children's Charity
On Christmas Eve in 1928, a baby was abandoned at the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pa. Pinned to the child's shirt was a mother's plea to adopt her child, for she could no longer care for the baby. Baby Catharine was taken in by 11 people who worked at the theatre. They named her "Variety" after the popular entertainment tabloid, Variety Review, and she became the inspiration for Variety Clubs International.

Today, Variety has more than 1,000 volunteers and supporters who work to raise money to fund area charities benefiting children with special needs. Donations raised help fund the Variety-owned and operated Myoelectric Center at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan; the Cardiology Center at Children's Hospital of Michigan; SCAMP, a summer camping program for children with special needs; the 4-H Horseback Riding Program for physically challenged children; PAL, the Police Athletic League; and The Sunshine Coach Program.

To donate, find a Variety chapter near you or purchase a Gold Heart Pin for $2 via Variety's Web site. All donations support children around the world challenged by poverty, violence, neglect and physical disability.

Want to see more?

• Heart-y Gift Giving: Teaching Kids the True Meaning of the Season
• Holiday Spirit: Helping Your Preteenager Make the Most of the Giving Season
• Holiday Headquarters
• Talk about it!