It’s that time of year. Stores can now unashamedly play Christmas music and the ringing bells of the Salvation Army bucket brigade make us think of good deeds. So why not combine the two? Music for a cause.

But not everyone is into charitable music.

“I am responsible for two of the worst songs in history,” said Bob Geldof, co-writer of “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” the 1984 group sing-along to benefit famine relief in Ethiopia, the pre-cursor of the modern-day song for a cause movement. That UK charity mega-hit inspired the U.S. version, “We Are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

Despite Geldof’s displeasure, here’s a round up of the top 10 musical projects for a cause from 2010. This year has its own collection of group efforts inspired by a major disaster with Haiti heavy on everyone’s hearts.

So here we go, in no particular order…

My Worlds Acoustic by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, the beloved teeny bopper hearthrob, has released an album of acoustic versions of his songs with all proceeds going to the Children’s Miracle Network. The album is available exclusively at Walmart and includes the brand new song “Pray.”

“Boots” by the Killers

This is the fifth year the Killers have contributed a Christmas song to Project (RED). All proceeds go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

“Universal Child” by Annie Lennox

This song made its debut during American Idol’s 2010 Idol Gives Back event, and is now available on Lennox’s Christmas album, A Christmas Cornucopia. All proceeds from the single (and a portion of profits from the album) will go to Lennox’s charity, SING, which supports women and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

“No Surprises” by Regina Spektor

Earlier this year Regina Spektor brought her stark, piano-backed vocals to the Radiohead song, “No Surprises” from OK Computer. Inspired by earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, net proceeds from the single go to Doctors WIthout Borders.

Dear New Orleans by Various Artists

Marking five years since the Katrina disaster, this benefit album features contributions from OK Go, Indigo Girls and My Morning Jacket. Proceeds go to New Orleans-based charities that are working to preserve the area’s musical heritage.

“Heroes” by X Factor Finalists

Produced by American Idol’s Simon Cowell, this David Bowie cover features finalists from the UK’s X Factor talent show and all proceeds benefit Help for Heroes, a UK organization that supports injured military personnel.

Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album by Various Artists

What’s a major sporting event without an anthem? This album offers plenty of choices, including the Shakira hit “Waka, Waka,” and contributions from R. Kelley, Wyclef Jean and a host of international stars. Benefits are being donated to African charities and an effort by the FIFA to build 20 community centers throughout Africa.

One Day’s Wages Songs for a Cause Vol. 1 by Various Artists

The global poverty fighting organization One Day’s Wages has assembled a crew of indie rockers for Songs for a Cause Vol. 1, including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, David Bazzan, Kimya Dawson and more. All proceeds go to projects that will alleviate extreme poverty.

“Everybody Hurts” by Various Artists

Simon Cowell’s contribution to the Haiti earthquake charity extravaganza is a group sing of REM’s “Everybody Hurts,” featuring 21 pop stars including Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie Minogue and Susan Boyle.

Hope for Haiti Now by Various Artists

An album to accompany the telethon juggernaut, it features a who’s who of industry giants: Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Wyclef Jean, Shakira, Coldplay, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and more. All proceeds go to an equally immense conglomerate of Haiti charities.

…and a bonus song:

“We Are the World 25 for Haiti” by Artists for Haiti

Organized by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie, this song started out as a 25th anniversary re-mix of 1985’s “We Are the World” and turned into a brand new song with contributions from more than 80 artists to benefit Haiti. It was critically drubbed and Geldof is groaning, but hey — it’s for a good cause.

If none of those efforts excite you, you can always head to Amazon for 25 days of free Christmas music. Maybe you can donate the money saved to your favorite charity and make it your own music for a cause.

Which songs are your favorites? What else would you add to this list?