I believe quite strongly in doing good and caring for others. Because of who I am and the people around me, there are naturally some charities I think are pretty darn neat and are worth your time and your generosity.

If I have done something you’ve appreciated and you feel a need to show your gratitude, I suggest that you make a donation to one of the following respectable and worthwhile organizations. If you do, feel free to leave a comment and let me know.

Child’s Play

Started in 2003, Child’s Play was founded by the personalities behind the webcomic Penny Arcade. It is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are hospitalized by providing those hospitals with toys and games of all kinds. Each year, wish lists are created for the various participant hospitals, and givers can purchase items from those lists that will be sent directly to the hospitals.

It’s a great thing to give children in hospitals an extra opportunity to be children despite their circumstances.

Autism Speaks

My younger son is mildly autistic, which has been one of the greatest challenges I have faced as a parent. It has affected his motor, speech, and cognitive development and was hard for us to realize what was “wrong.”

But out of those challenges have come progress, joy, and love. Caleb has made great strides because we are fortunate to live somewhere where a very effective and focused special education program exists. Not all parents of autistic children are so fortunate.

Autism Speaks is a science and advocacy organization dedicated to the study of autism and increasing awareness and advocacy for families of those with autism. I am unsure of the quality of life that will be afforded my own son as he grows older, but perhaps with research and dedication, future generations will come to understand more about this condition.

The WordPress Foundation

It is no secret that I owe a lot to WordPress and to open source, especially at this point in my life. I have known of WordPress since the very first release, and using it actively to power my own web projects and blogs for six years. It is a rare thing that a hobby has turned into a profession and yet remained a hobby.

Without WordPress, I would not have the amazing job and colleagues I do now, would likely not have improved as a writer, and would not fully understand the concepts and the benefits of open source projects and technologies. These things are now part of my personal ethos.

As a product, WordPress must succeed. It is, in my opinion, the best option and hope for democratizing publishing so that individuals all over the world can express themselves and be heard. Consider donating to the WordPress Foundation to ensure the future of WordPress.