Update 5/15/23: I need your help by May 20th to secure 500,000 miles in matching gifts.

It’s frustrating that there’s usually no good way to donate miles to charity. They’re a great asset, just like cash, and some of us have more spare miles than money. Usually we can only donate to a charity that officially partners with a frequent flyer program. And the airline or hotel is already supporting them, how much extra difference will our few thousand miles make?

I’ve wished for more for a long time, and I joined the board of Give A Mile – where I donate a lot of my own miles.

Give a Mile is a non-profit that helps people in need with air travel, using miles donated by members. First they began working with Air Canada. They also have a partnership with United. I’d like to see this grow and expand.

They are on a campaign to raise 1.5 million miles to help connect people to share the moments of life. Give A Mile raises miles and books award travel so that no one has to die alone.

• The Give A Mile Mother’s and Father’s Day campaign connects those on hospice with their loved ones for a final goodbye.

• Your United MileagePlus miles donation to Give A Mile will be matched today May 11 through May 20 up to 500,000 miles by mileage commitments from Give A Mile supporter Brent Herspiegel and board members Wes Harrington and Gary Leff.

• You can give as little as 1,000 miles.

I’d appreciate it if you would join me in making a donation, that I will help match. (I’ve given away enough United miles to the cause that I may have to transfer Chase points into United to cover this commitment.)

If you don’t happen to have United Airlines MileagePlus miles to give they appreciate tax-deductible contributions as well.

Give a Mile does more than just spend your miles. They work with hospices, ICUs and hospitals to confirm details – they find the people who need help, validate their stories, and connect people in their last moments of life. They’re a 501(c)3 public charity and all miles going towards the program.

Hopefully the ability to give to more charities – often we’re miles rich, and cash poor – is something airlines will consider. United deserves credit for making this platform available, and Give A Mile for using it to help people in need.