Every day Children's Hospital saves children's lives. And for more than 50 years, readers of The Washington Post have been playing a vital role in caring for some of the area's most vulnerable children.

Washington Post columnists John Kelly, Bob Levey, and before them Bill Gold, used their daily columns as a platform to raise money for Children's National Medical Center, one of the nation's leading pediatric hospitals.

All of the money that is raised goes to pay the medical bills of poor children. No patient from the Washington area is ever turned away from Children's. That's why it's so important that money be raised to defray the costs of this vital "uncompensated care." You may make your tax-deductible contribution online anytime between now and Jan. 9. Thank you for your support.

The mission of Children's National Medical Center is to be preeminent in providing health care services that enhance the health and well being of children. Through leadership and innovation, Children's will create solutions to pediatric health care problems. To meet the unique health care needs of children, adolescents and their families, Children's will excel in Care, Advocacy, Research and Education. Through our hospital, our primary care centers, our suburban specialty care centers and our research institute; Children's continues its commitment to kids.