Fate is rarely kind — but you’ve discovered that it has a certain fondness for you. Your life has not been plagued by tragedy, has not been burdened by the concerns so many others face. Happiness has been found (and hasn’t been snatched away by sudden terror, replaced to the all too easy pain). The days are as worthy as you could ever hope them to be and your gratitude is proven with every grin.

You understand, however, that there are those who suffer instead. They’re weighted to the unfortunate scenarios, the common worries. These individuals spend their hours in uncertainty, unable to soothe their own tension. Their time has been shaped to fear and they don’t have your blessings of luck.

And so you wish to help them.

You simply don’t know how.

The answer could be online philanthropy.

Simply explained: individuals can offer their stories to the world, posting them within blogging sites and virtual communities. These stories can be accompanied by calls for funds, food, medical supplies or all the other little elements that you’ve never been without. You can choose to make such donations, providing the amount that you think is best. Money can be transferred through online accounts; items can be promised and then packaged through the mail. You can change a life with the simple click of a mouse.

There have been those who have wailed against this form of philanthropy. They deem it unseemly, its pleas too specific, its effects too small. But you understand that one act of kindness can inspire others to complete their own; and your contributions can become part of a far more impressive plan. You can save a life and enable your friends to do the same.

Online charity is not to be denied. It’s instead to be recognized for its importance: a way to bridge continents and send aid across the world.