The Christmas shopping season is in full swing.

With yesterday’s unofficial kickoff of the season, we’re all in mode to move forward with the holiday tradition of gift-giving. Many of us have already been out in the stores and malls looking for that perfect gift for our loved ones and friends.

While we’re in search of that special item, however, there is much more that can be done. We realize that times are tough. Many of us have trimmed our Christmas spending budgets significantly as we head out this holiday season.

While we realize this is important, we ask that you still consider helping those who are less fortunate. Many of these will have nothing if people don’t give to programs that will help them during the holidays.

We still have Toys for Tots programs and Angel Trees that are available throughout the reason. In addition, many of our local agencies are taking up toys for children of the area who otherwise will not have anything under their tree on Christmas morning.

There are many local agencies that are doing their best to provide a wonderful holiday season for those who cannot afford one at all. While our budgets are tight, those with financial means should think of others during this time.

We urge you to provide whatever you can for those who are less fortunate during this season. Keep the Christmas season in your heart and, where possible, with your wallet. You will be glad you did.

The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald