'Tis the season to be giving to charities, others

The holidays are almost upon us. It's that time of year when we gather our friends and loved ones close to us and celebrate with the warmth of feasting and fellowship.

It's also the time of year when our hearts go out to those who have less than us. For some neighbors down the block or across oceans, the holidays are just downright difficult.

Giving is part of the American spirit and it is alive and well here in our community. We have dozens of charitable organizations in our area. Some help kids in need, some feed our area's poor and some brighten our lives with the beauty of the arts. Here are some worthy organizations that provide assistance to our residents and some ways you can help.

Every year, our local food bank, Bonner Community Food Center, needs turkeys and all the trimmings for hundreds of holiday dinners. Despite our blooming economy, the food bank feeds approximately 3,000 people each month. Seniors, people with disabilities and low income families all need our help during the holiday season. You can easily donate by purchasing food at any of local grocers and telling the checkout person it's for the food bank. The stores will make sure it gets there.

The holidays should be a special time for children — filled with all the magic and wonder of the season. Unfortunately, some kids may not have the luxury of a home, a warm winter coat, or even a teddy bear. Every year hundreds of Sandpoint area children depend on us to fill their holidays with cheer and delight. One of the most well-known charities is Toys for Tots. During your next holiday shopping spree, pick up an extra toy for a child in need. Many shopping centers — including those in Sandpoint — offer Toys for Tots bins where you can deposit the purchased toy before you leave. (Please make sure it's a new toy and still in its proper wrapping.) If you're feeling generous, instead of buying a larger item such as a bicycle, donate several smaller ones. This keeps everything fair and square for the kids.

The Panhandle Animal Shelter has the best interest of our furry friends at heart. They can always use food and monetary donations to keep the animals healthy and well cared for. It takes lots of pet food and medicine to keep the shelter going. Many of our local supermarkets have bins for the donation of pet food just past the checkout counter. The shelter would also like me to remind you that spaying or neutering your pet is the best gift you can give them this holiday season (though your pet may not think so at the time).

A great holiday gift is a membership to one of our many non-profit groups. The Bonner County Historical Society works very hard to preserve our area's history. Their services include the Bonner County Museum in South Sandpoint as well as educational programs for schools and the general public. The Pend Oreille Arts Council brings color and entertainment to our community with their Performing Arts Series at the Panida Theater, art shows and Sandpoint's famous Art Walk. Both offer affordable memberships.

Contact the Greater Sand-point Chamber of Commerce to check its "Guide to Voluntary Organizations in the Sandpoint Area" for more information on these and other local charities.

There is one thing that is even more valuable than a donation of money and that's the gift of time. Take the time to visit one of our area's many nursing homes, or walk a dog at the animal shelter. You can volunteer to read at the library or help give out turkeys at the food bank. There's nothing like seeing the joy on someone's face when they've realized that someone cares about them.

It makes us feel good to give during the holidays, as it should. It is a wonderful thing to be able to share joy and comfort with others who need our love and compassion. However there are people and animals in need every hour of every day in the year. Next July, when the temperature is up to 90 degrees and the lake is beckoning, a child might be going hungry or a family may lose their home. Keep the holidays in your heart and celebrate the spirit of giving the whole year through.