Do you have frequent flyer miles that are too small to use, and so they just sit there – and perhaps expire?  You can donate these miles to a worthy cause.  It is a great way to keep them from going to waste.

All major airlines and most of the smaller ones have miles-for-charity programs in their frequent flyer programs.  The airlines collect unwanted or unused miles and distribute them to families of cancer patients, sick children, armed forces personnel and their families, health care organizations, community organizations and a wide range of other charities.

The specifics vary from carrier to carrier, and the programs can change often.  The airlines select the charities and manage the details of how these miles are distributed.  You should be aware, though, you cannot take a tax deduction for the miles you give to the airlines to be donated to charity.

Each airline describes its own program on its website.  You can also get information by calling the airline's customer service telephone number.  Here are some programs:

Delta SkyWish
Northwest AirCares
Southwest – Give Your Heart Wings
American Airlines – Miles to Kids in Need
US Airways Dividend Miles Charity Program
Alaska Airlines Charity Miles
America West Miles of Hope
Continental (log in under your account and click on "Donate Your Miles")
Midwest Express Miracle Miles

Other organizations collect miles from many airlines.  The Hero Miles program, for example, has provided close to 4,000 flights, reuniting families of wounded soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  Concerned people donate the 2.5 to 3 million miles needed in any given week.  See www.fisherhouse.org