There is a way for you to contribute directly toward the reconstruction and the "winning of hearts and minds" in Iraq - more satisfying and direct than government taxes, and it need not be expensive.

There is a US Army soldier in Baghdad with the pseudonym, "Chief Wiggles." He has a web log located here: http://chiefwiggles.blog-city.com/ (It's a great blog you should be checking out regularly, anyway.)

The Chief blogged through the war and he's still there in Iraq dealing with POWs and whatever other responsibilities he has.

The Chief has started a toy drive, whereby he and the other soldiers he is there with will distribute items directly to the Iraqi kids they come in frequent contact with. No matter how you felt about the war, this is a no-lose situation. The Iraqis win, the soldiers win (they very-much enjoy distributing the stuff) and you can contribute to the rebuilding effort by helping foster these positive exchanges.

Last of all, it's cheap. There's a military address set up to send the stuff to. For people in the US, it's just the same as domestic shipping!

They need almost anything. Basic school supplies are particularly being requested - pens, paper, pencils - very basic stuff. Also toothbrushes, toothpaste - ANYTHING kids can use, and all stuff you can pick up on the cheap at a $1 store. I went down to the local wholesale place and bought a big pack of colored construction paper, some essay pads, a big box of basic #2 pencils and a big box of Bic pens. My wife went through my daughter's collection of stuffed animals and other toys and clothes she never plays with or wears anymore and came up with a whole bunch of stuff. It'll all be getting put into a big box for shipment. Here's a pic of what we're sending:

Be sure to read the list of NO toys. Here is the list and shipping address from the site, but go there to look for more yes and no ideas: