Kind-hearted actor Kevin Bacon is urging fans to vanquish their inner Scrooge by giving generously to charity during the festive season.

The Footloose star has written a holiday message to stress the importance of charitable giving over the Christmas period and he is encouraging people to give donations to good causes in lieu of gifts.

In an article for the Huffington Post, he writes, "We wait all year for this season of kindness and giving, and many of us literally wait until the clock runs out on December 31st to support the causes close to our hearts (and get that tax credit)."

"We are the Generous Procrastinators and this is our last-minute chance to make a difference. Just look around. There is an opportunity to give on every street corner, at every cash register, and in every other email hitting our inbox."

Bacon also asks fans to support charities through his SixDegrees.org website, adding, "Let's answer the call! Together, we can activate our 6 degrees networks to send off 2012 with a flourish of generosity... It's a small world. You can make a difference."