As we make our way into the new year, we need to bring with us that feeling of goodwill toward others. It's a feeling that shouldn't be reserved for just a small part of the year.
In the past several weeks, numerous stories in this paper have related many acts of kindness toward others. You've read about school students, community groups and others who've spearheaded toy drives or fundraisers or something similar aimed at ensuring everyone has a bountiful holiday. We enjoy bringing you these stories because they spotlight all the good that is in our communities.
That feeling of giving back does not need to end when the holidays are over, though. It is just as easy to continue those acts of kindness throughout the rest of the year.
The excuses are plentiful and certainly could be justified for not getting involved. You don't have enough time. You don't have enough money. Your work is overwhelming. But it really doesn't take much effort to help someone else.
There are many simple ways to stay or get involved. Check on an elderly neighbor from time-to-time or offer to shovel their sidewalk during snowy days. Go through your closets and the toys your children no longer want or for which they are too old. Pack the items you don't want and give them to any number of local non-profit agencies. If you have the time, volunteer at a local food bank on a distribution day or lend a hand at a dinner where hundreds of homeless are fed. Pick someone in the military and send them a letter or care package to remind them of home.
Once you start helping others, it can be addicting as well as eye-opening. Although we live in relatively safe areas with a comfortable socio-economic level, there are still many in our areas who are in need of help. Sometimes that help is needed short-term. Sometimes that help is needed long-term. And we never know when we'll be the one needing the help.