Another Christmas is history. Once again our compassionate community has worked something of a miracle for our less fortunate neighbors.

Thanks to the generosity – the spirit of Christmas – that prevails in our area, hundreds of children received toys they probably would not have gotten otherwise . Hundreds of individuals and families enjoyed scrumptious holiday feasts. People of all ages who needed something, ranging from warm winter coats to somewhere to stay, got it.

But now Christmas is over. And Santa Claus did not bring food to supplement the food stamp budget. He did not leave money under the tree to help with the utility bill – or for a variety of other needs.

Many of us dig deep into our pockets during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Once the holiday is past, however, we sometimes forget the less fortunate need help throughout the year. For many of them, the winter months now upon us are especially difficult.

Many organizations work year-round to assist those who, almost always through no fault of their own, need help. If you find it difficult to pick one for a donation, you may want to consider the Upper Des Moines Opportunity.?The agency helps hundreds of area residents each year its food pantry, heating assistance and other aid.

Yes, Christmas is over. Now comes paying the bills for the holiday. Perhaps your budget is stretched a bit – but you will, at some point, take care of all the bills.

Please, don’t let the compassion that prompted you to make donations to help the less fortunate become just a Christmas memory. They still need help.

You can provide it.