JIM HAKE traveled to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base near San Diego a few days before Christmas to meet with senior officers of the 1st Marine Division. During the visit, Hake learned from the Marines what Iraqis could really use right now: frisbees.

“Interestingly, frisbees were identified as a great tool for Marines to build relations with Iraqi children; teaching kids how to throw a frisbee will provide an opportunity for interaction and, as there is a tendency to make awkward, wild throws at first, it will get everyone laughing,” explained Hake, founder of the nonprofit charity Spirit of America.