Each year during the holiday season, some of us reflect on great miracles of the past. And each year, some participate in small miracles of the present.

        For a number of years, I've watched a series of small miracles unfold as Enquirer readers respond with amazing generosity to this annual “wish list” for children.

        Schoolchildren have held “penny drives,” collecting enough loose change to buy hundreds of dollars of books for homeless children. Companies, large and small, have scaled down office parties to send the money, instead, to hospitals for special services for young patients. Families have honored a parent or grandparent with the precious, priceless gift of learning opportunities for needy children.

        And, in some miraculous manner, the hustle and greed of the season is tuned down a bit, and its true meaning remembered. So here, with my wishes to you for a season of goodwill and kind deeds, is this year's list:

        • For 50 cents per child — a total contribution of $12.50 — a classroom of 25 students (or an office of 25 workers) can help restock the occupational/physical therapy treasure box at Shriners Hospital for Children. Children recovering from serious burns need all kinds of materials for therapy sessions — pens, stationery, hand-held games. Make checks payable to Shriners Burns Hospital, Cincinnati — with “Enquirer column” in memo line — 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229.

        • A $10 contribution will buy either a month of after-school snacks or a new book — you choose — for a homeless child through Project Connect, a wonderful nonprofit program that offers tutoring and advocacy. For $20, outfit a child with a backpack full of school supplies, plus two weeks' worth of after-school snacks. Make checks payable to Project Connect Homeless Children's Fund, 1035 Mound St., Cincinnati, OH 45203.

        • A $15 contribution to Lighthouse Youth Services will help buy single or bunk beds, furniture that's badly needed by families trying to stay together and keep their children from placement outside the home. Make checks payable to Lighthouse Youth Services, Attn. Margie MacAskie, 1501 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

        • Buy a needy child a week's worth of terrific art training at the Art Academy for $16.50. If six co-workers or friends pitch in that amount — for a total of $99 — they can buy a full six-week program in cartooning, sculpture, photography or other art courses. Make checks payable to Art Academy of Cincinnati — “Art for Kids scholarship” in memo line — 1125 St. Gregory, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please designate “Community Education” in lower right corner of envelope.

        • Children who have had a loved one die need special support, and Fernside: A Center for Grieving Children offers exquisite kindness and care. A $25 contribution will provide a summer camp scholarship, enabling grieving children to interact with others who understand their loss. Make checks payable to Fernside Inc., 2303 Indian Mound, Cincinnati, OH 45212.

        • A $50 contribution — perhaps in honor of a special woman in your life — will partially fund an extraordinary writing program for a girl. For years Women Writing for (a) Change has helped local females find and share their voices. Widen its reach with a check to Women Writing for (a) Change Scholarship Fund, 4850 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227.

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