st. jude children's research hospital

Okay, this is awesome.  So, you text PIZZA to 90999 and make an instant $5 donation to St. Jude billed directly to your cell phone and  Domino's will automatically match your donation with another $5.

And you don't even have to order a pizza!  Though I can see no earthly reason why you would not order a pizza.   Pizza and philanthropy.  Nirvana.

Okay, and while we're talking about St. Jude, let me tell you a little more about them.  You've all seen the infomercials.  I myself have fallen victim to the mid-afternoon accidental channel surf stop and next thing I know I'm sponsoring a new wing.  But I'm happy to do it.  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.  St. Jude also covers the cost of food, travel and lodging for patients and a family member.

Right now, you can take part in their Thanks and Giving campaign for the holidays.  They have frillions of partners, each with some way to make a donation to St. Jude.  For example, Pottery Barn will make a $5 donation to St. Jude with every $25 gift card purchase through Dec. 12.  Williams Sonoma has a bunch of special products for which 50% of the profits will be donated to St. Jude.  Old Navy will donate 5% of all gift card sales to benefit St. Jude up to $1 million.  Check the partner website or ask when you go shopping to see what kind of donations your favorite stores will make to St. Jude!

They also have a gift book with cutsie little items from which 100% of profits after related expenses goes toward St. Jude.  So, at least some of your money for gifts will go toward a great cause.  And, as always, you can simply make a donation in your name or in honor of someone else.