The recent tragedies in Haiti and Chile brought forth a lot of goodwill, and taught many travelers that they could donate loyalty points toward a good cause. But how exactly do these programs work?

Several major hotels and airlines partner with specific charities, meaning travelers can donate their points and miles any time toward a good cause.

If you donate hotel points toward a charity like Make-a-Wish, it goes directly toward helping provide free accommodations.

Contributing frequent-flier miles works in a similar way.

For example, several airlines work with Operation Hero Miles, in which miles go toward providing a free ticket for military men and women and their families.

In other cases, travel providers will convert your points into cash.

With Marriott Hotels, 18,000 points to the American Red Cross translates in a $50 gift.

And in very special cases, some providers will actually give their own money.

After the disaster in Haiti, Hilton implemented a short-term program in which every 10,000 HHonors points equaled $25 to the Red Cross, which Hilton then matched, dollar for dollar.

Within a few days, members raised $150,000, proving that even if you’re strapped for cash in these tough economic times, it’s still possible to help out.

For more, don’t miss our complete Voluntourism section.

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