We’ve known for many years that most people in eastern North Carolina are generous people, willing to help their neighbors and strangers whenever they are able to do so.

When a hurricane leaves damage behind, area residents are quick to help those who suffered that damage. When a child suffers from a life-threatening disease or injury, area residents are quick to hold fundraisers to help pay for that family’s medical expenses.

That concern is most evident during the Christmas season. Despite the hardships forced on many area residents by various circumstances, those residents have shown their concern for others even less fortunate by donating money, food and other items to The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Eagle’s Wings and numerous Christmas programs operated by area churches. With the unemployment rates in many area counties at or above 10 percent for most of this past year and in recent years, many families face a sparse Christmas. For many of them, Christmas will be merry because the caring folks in the area will demonstrate that it is better to give than receive.

Because of these caring folks, an out-of-work father and mother will be able to place filling meals on the table during the Christmas holiday.

With Christmas just several weeks away, there’s plenty of time to help a person or family in need. If you haven’t done so already (and there’s nothing wrong with giving again), make a donation to one of the aforementioned charities. You can do much to help make Christmas a bit brighter and cheerful for someone in need.

So, select a Christmas-cheer program from among the many that abound, donate to it (or several) and help your neighbors who also give to spread the message of Christmas.

It doesn’t matter to which organization you give this holiday season. It does matter that you give.
Just ask those who are the recipients of your generosity.