The pals sit down and chat.

OPRAH WINFREY and DENZEL WASHINGTON sat down for a conversation with Parade magazine for the mag's How America Gives cover story on philanthropy, which will be in newspapers this weekend.

Oprah, who produced Denzel's upcoming, 'The Great Debaters,' says that philanthropy can involve something as simple as a kind word: "When you're down, when you don't have your best game going, just a nod of acknowledgment means the world."

Denzel agrees, "It is the little things. It's what you do with what you have. I'm not just talking about money. I'm talking about time and love and truly giving."

Parade and the Case Foundation are giving away up to $500,000 to the country's favorite charities in the America's Giving Challenge -- to find out how you can participate, visit www.parade.com/givingchallenge.