There’s no time like the holiday season to count one’s blessings.

But for many residents of Beaufort County, Christmas is a stressful time as families struggle to find the means to celebrate the season. That’s when their fellow citizens step up to lend a helping hand.

Throughout the county, food drives, toy collections and other projects help disadvantaged families fill the gaps. Salvation Army bell ringers lend a cheerful sound as shoppers rush about in search of items on their own wish lists, more often than not pausing to drop a few bills in the kettles to share their blessings with others.

Toys for Tots focuses on youngsters as toys and monetary donations are collected in dozens of drop-off stops throughout the area. Bicycles, dolls, footballs, stuffed animals and games collected during the effort insure Christmas morning is an exciting time for all.

Covenant Church’s Christmas Village Toy Store is another example of the spirit of giving in order to help others. Toys are collected for weeks ahead of time and families in need of assistance are invited to shop for gift items at a fraction of retail cost. This year’s event served an estimated 150 households in Beaufort County, according to Loriann Bishop.

“It’s very loving and giving,” Bishop said of the project. “It’s very heartwarming to give to others and help them have a merry Christmas. I love working here; all the people are wonderful. I’m glad I get to experience it.”

Covenant’s holiday celebration also provides children the means to give gifts to their parents. At no cost, the youngsters may choose from donated items like shaving lotion and costume jewelry while their parents shop for Santa gifts. In fact, the Kidz Shoppe is a favorite part of the festivities.

“They get to pick out a special present,” said Joy Stallings, who was overseeing a group of young children. “They get very excited and they love to make a card. One child wrote in a card to his guardian, ‘Thank you for all you do for me.’ That blesses me that they get it.”