I was a little hesitant at writing up this article, because Haley never gets involved with a cause to draw attention to himself in order to "score points" with the media. That is not his style, and that is not the focus of this article. What I want to show are the type of causes that Haley has been most active, so when viewed together, we have a better understanding of what he finds important. These are just a sample of the causes that Haley has been involved. Although there is more available, I didn't want to turn this into an itemized list of everything discovered. Hopefully this will offer us a tiny glimpse inside of Haley's heart.

One of the first known examples of Haley's involvement with a cause occurred back on 5-April-1997, when eight year old Haley was a presenter at the 11th Annual Genesis Awards. Hosted by The Humane Society of the United States Hollywood Office, formerly The Ark Trust, Inc., they acknowledge individuals like Haley and, "...is grateful for support from celebrities, as they're the ones who draw the attention of the public and the media to help shine the spotlight on animal-cruelty issues."

Haley has always been known to possess a kind heart toward all of our animal friends, which includes an especially keen interest in some of the less popular pets like snakes, rats, and lizards. I think we can understand why Haley would want to be a part of the Genesis Awards at such a young age. For someone so young to want to stand up for those that cannot speak for themselves, and cannot defend themselves from the cruelty inflicted on them, speaks highly of Haley's character and the gentleness of his heart.

As much as he is known for his love of animals, Haley is also very well known for his love of reading. In 2001, Haley was involved in both the Scholastic Read for 2001 Initiative as well as the National Education Association, Read Across America project. Having grown up surrounded by as much reading material as he could handle, there is little wonder why Haley is so articulate and intelligent. The obvious benefit of being so well-read to both his academic and professional careers, are more than enough reason for Haley to want to help ensure everyone is able to reap the benefits from something that has brought so much joy to his life. Being fortunate that his parents taught him to read at an early age, and then lucky enough to have teachers who encouraged his love of reading, it is easy to understand why reading is so close to his heart.

A strong academic career is something that has always been a top priority in Haley's life. Given the unpredictable nature of the film industry, he is well aware that having something to fall back on is very important. He knows that once you have earned a diploma or degree, then that is something they can never take away from you for the rest of your life. Unlike an active film career which can get snuffed out by one poorly chosen script, or even by just simply growing up. He has always known that after high school he would then go on to college, and the money he has earned from his films has been put aside to ensure that will happen. Back in early 2000 or 2001 Haley was involved with the CenturyTel Texas State University Celebrity Golf Classic. "Proceeds from this classy event are used to fund scholarships for Texas State graduate students - a growing segment of the student population that is underserved by available scholarship funds." Helping to ensure others are able to have the same academic opportunities that he will enjoy, comes from the very giving place in Haley's heart.

As these random acts of kindness continue to be reported even today, and we will continue to hear about the Pay It Forward Movement hopefully forever, it certainly is possible that Haley saw something when he first read the script. Something that perhaps there might be so much more than the making of one little film. Somehow he just knew all that would be required to get things started, was a simple nudge from his heart.

How wonderful it is for this kid to want to help other kids even younger than him gain an appreciation for something that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Of course such sentiments are not lost on those who put these programs together, so naturally Haley was invited back on Saturday, 15-November-2003, for an encore performance as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's first Toyota Symphonies for Youth concert series. Acting as the narrator for the classic story Peter and the Wolf, while the symphony played the music, both performances must have been quite enchanting and magical. You can better understand why, if you have ever heard Haley's performance for the audiobook CD of The Little Prince. In the way that only music can sometimes touch your heart, it would seem that Haley wants to make sure everyone can share in these experiences.

The history of the MPTF is a very interesting read, but basically the organization was created to aid and benefit all those who have been involved in the motion picture and television industry and their families. [From the MPTF website...] "With the simple mission of "We Take Care Of Our Own", the MPTF goes far beyond traditional health care. The MPTF offers a continuum of care for the very young to the elderly by providing quality medical and surgical services, health care, child care, residential living and care for older adults, as well as social and charitable services." It becomes quite clear why Haley would want to give back so much more to the industry that has given him so much.