There are many needy families and children in the U.S. and Post Offices in several major cities display letters from needy children asking for shoes, winter coats and toys. Be An Elf is an organization that allows people to read those Christmas wish lists and give to the kids that write the letters. Be An Elf’s mission is to make more underprivileged kids smile on Christmas morning and to inspire people with the real spirit of Christmas. The USPS started the program in 1912 and has not missed a year since. Be An Elf’s chief elf, Patrick Reynolds, calls this “micro-philanthropy, charity with no middle man.” If you would like to contribute, you can do so directly at BeAnElf.org.