Here's a master stroke of marketing: just in case you're giving up Pringles in favor of no or healthier snacks, Pringles have come up with a reason this approaching holiday season to carry on munching: if we don't, we'll deprive a charity caring for children in hospitals across America.

How? By ignoring the chance they're giving us to discover our inner Jackson Pollock,  customizing our own cans! For every can created, Pringles will make a $1 donation to Children's Miracle Network -- up to $20,000 tops, mind you. If you don't have an inner Cy Twombly, not to worry: Pringles have thoughtfully provided ready-made templates.

In Pringles' own words, "Show off your creativity.  Save your Pringles can.
     --Design to the Gallery for everyone to admire.  See how many votes you
       can earn in three categories:  Funniest, Most Creative, and Best
       Design.
    -- Share with Friends:  Send your own can design to friends and family, or
       post it to your blog.  Ask your friends to visit and vote for your can
       as Funniest, Most Creative, and Best Design. If desired, use glitter,
       stickers or ribbons to further personalize the customized can.
    -- Print and Attach:  Display your design on a Pringles can.  Print your
       can design on an 8 1/2 x11 piece of paper.  Cut along white border and
       wrap lengthwise around can.  Line paper with bottom of Pringles can and
       tape or glue where ends meet."

This is all so thoughtful. And there's more:

    "-- Fill with homemade holiday cookies or candy to give to friends and
       family
    -- Use as a unique gift box for those hard-to-wrap items
    -- Give a personalized can of Pringles as a fun stocking stuffer
    -- Personalize for friends, family, co-workers or others with whom you
       exchange small gifts
    -- Store valued or breakable ornaments
    -- Use differently designed containers to organize ribbons and wrapping
       materials."

Marketing genius, no? Pringle makers Proctor & Gamble sell around 3 billion of their products each day around the world - or, as they would have it, "Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world." So that promised $20,000 would be reached in very few mouthfuls.

There are 160 calories and 11 grams of fat in just 14 Pringles. About.com/Health gives them a D- grade. If you want to support the very worthwhile Children's Miracle Network without snacking, you can contribute directly, on http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org