Age has brought wisdom. Today I have a different vision. I believe with all my heart that Santa Claus looks a little bit like you.

I hope I'm right, because this is my letter to Santa Claus, the first one I've written that did not require crayons.

Dear Santa,

I'd like at least 100 computers for Christmas. More would be better.

I haven't been a fanatic about being good this year, but at least I'm writing this letter to you from my desk here at the newspaper, not the state prison.

Here's the good news: You don't need to dump any of them at my house. I already have seven or eight, maybe more.

Instead I'd like to have you deliver these computers --- all 100 of them --- to an outfit called Tech Corps of Georgia. It has, as you would expect, a Web site: www.techcorpsga.org. Folks who work there tell me they'd like to get 100 computers before the end of the year.

If you check out that Web page, you'll get details on how to make the delivery. And just in case the connection is down at the North Pole, you can also phone them at 404-564-7373. Here's what will happen if you answer their call. The Tech Corps people will refurbish these computers, spiff them up some, and give them to people who need them.

I'm talking people here, Santa. These computers will go to real people, individuals, not to some administrator at a big-shot charity. I have nothing against charities and very little against administrators. But I think it's nice, especially this time of year, that these computers will go to a home, not an office.

Just to show that I'm flexible, it's also OK with me if you would rather just find some deserving person and give the computer directly to them instead of Tech Corps.

The only reason I mention the Tech Corps group is that donations there qualify for a tax deduction. And they'll fix up the computers before giving them away. But suit yourself. I'll be pleased if you can figure any way to get computers into the hands of people who need them.

Feel free to be creative. There are millions of ways to help. Money works, too, in the form of donations.

If it has been a rough year at your place, well, don't give it another thought. You may not have a bunch of computers to give away, or extra money for someone else. You may need it for a Christmas of your own. But there's still stuff you could do. Groups like Tech Corps also need volunteers. If that doesn't work for you, maybe you could call a friend who has been luckier financially and pass the word that computers are needed.

If you can afford to help, this is really a logical time to do it.

I suspect that some of Santa's helpers will be getting new computers as Christmas gifts. That could mean an extra computer sitting around the house gathering dust. I know my wife really appreciates it when I get rid of clutter.

You probably already know that selling a used computer isn't much fun. If you've tried to do that, you know that a device that cost $1,400 or so just a couple of years ago is worth $100, maybe $25. That kind of depreciation can give a person heartburn.

So giving a computer away is a really good deal. It makes you feel good.

I realize that as Santa, you already feel pretty darned good, especially if I am right in thinking that you hit the plum wine a little too often.

But giving a computer away can make you feel even warmer. You take a cold electronic device --- basically a beige box stuffed with chips and circuit boards --- and turn it into something magical. What better time of the year is there for magic?

For a kid, magic might mean fitting in better at school and making higher grades. For an old person, a computer and an Internet connection can be a way to travel the world, even for people with old legs.

I'll stop now. I know this is a busy time of the year, and a lot of people are writing for favors.

Me? I'm kind of cynical. I'm a reporter and --- ask anyone --- we're supposed to be. So I don't expect much here.

All I want is a simple Christmas miracle.