Sometime soon, all the Christmas trees will come down. All the stockings won’t be hanging anymore. All the presents will simply just become stuff we own. And for some, this time of giving will be done.

But it doesn’t need to be that way.

Charity isn’t just something people need during the holidays. Do you think just because Christmas passed that family who can’t afford to pay its heating bill will suddenly have the means to do so? You think those children who showed up at a church for a free meal on Christmas will suddenly have plenty of food at home to eat? For these families, the season of giving is often just a brief respite from a world of daily struggles.

Charity is something we need to provide all year long. The holidays do a good job of reminding us there are people out there who need our help. What we need to do is carry that throughout the year.

There are several national and global charities that campaign for funds all year long, but, as they say, charity begins at home.

And finding those in need of help in our own neighborhoods is easier than you might think. Local churches are a good place to start.

Food banks can also provide options for helping the less fortunate. The options are really only limited by how much effort you are willing to put forth.

And giving does not always have to done through your pocketbook. Giving of one’s time is often more appreciated, and it can actually make the act more enjoyable because you can utilize your talents to do so.

So get out there and give your time or give your money to help fellow residents year round.