Help a half-pint shipmate?

Once upon a time, a long time ago, in a land far away, I signed up as an Amazon Associate with delusions of grandeur and gift certificates galore bouncing around in my head. I figured that I could “score big” if I got even a few friends to click through and order just a few items a year. All you have to do is click through the link and somehow, magically, Amazon.com knows I referred you. No matter what you purchase under Amazon’s vast virtual roof of treasures, I get a few cents toward a gift certificate.

A few years ago a friend of mine went though a divorce and moved from one end of the country to the other. She is a lovely lady who cherishes her two boys with special needs. After the divorce, she became the full time care giver and provider for the boys. I have met both lads and they are a delight. Regretfully, deadbeat dad does not take interest in the life/welfare of his boys. I emailed her just before the holidays one year and asked, “How is St. Pirate (Otherwise known as Saint Nicholas in some parts…) coming along with Christmas goodies for the crew?” Her lack of response told me all I needed to know.

My treasure chest was a bit on the barren side so I had to think fast. I remembered my Amazon Associate account and logged in to see if I had any credit in the coffers. Much to my amazement, a few kindly buccaneers had made more than a few purchased through my link. I had a surprising amount of credit. While it was not over $50.00, it was enough to purchase a few used books for the lads. I emailed my Lady and asked what titles the lads might enjoy to see under the tree. She replied in kind and I used the credit to purchase my little pirate crew a few holiday presents that year.

My Amazon Associate account has been used for this purpose ever since. Credits earned become book gifts for children who may not otherwise have a holiday gift. Plunder the rich and give it to the children, I say! Dread Pirate Santa is alive and well plank-you-very-much! Next time you would like to place an order through Amazon.com, please remember to click through my link and help a child get a gift during the holiday season.

Thanks in advance for your support…

Dread Pirate