Life is getting busy now, with the gift-giving season staring us all in the face.  

We’ve begun to get wrapped up in the holiday season, from shopping to family get-togethers and other events that consume so much of our thoughts and time. 

But we ask again that you don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season take over this year. Instead, take a closer look. Look at your family and friends, neighbors or even the average passerby. Some may be struggling through unemployment and may find it difficult to take care of their basic necessities. Even those who have full-time jobs might find themselves in the unfamiliar position of having to choose between putting food on the table or taking prescription medicine, spending their money to heat their home or buying a few holiday gifts because of the inflation we have been enduring. 

We continue to be thankful there are area agencies that help area residents bridge those gaps and offer the needy a little breathing room between their resources and the cost of acquiring basic human needs. Food, clothing, toys and financial assistance are available, but the agencies that offer them, now more than ever, need the help of those who are fortunate enough to have a steady income. 

We remind readers that a visit to any of the agencies, such as any of the facilities operated by Urban Mission Ministries, can be an eye-opening experience. The growing number of those in need is becoming more evident. 

With just a little more than a week left until Christmas, we ask those who can to drop some more change into a Salvation Army kettle outside a local store or help through Urban Mission Ministries. Also, a donation to our area United Ways — Jefferson County, Weirton or the Upper Ohio Valley — can go a very long way to help someone with food, shelter or heating a home. 

Salvation Army units in Toronto, Weirton, Wellsburg and Steubenville need your help, as do the Bay Six Project, Mingo Social Services, the Community Bread Basket in Weirton, Wintersville Good Neighbors and many other agencies and food pantries that serve our region. 

Even a small donation of your time by visiting with some of the area’s seniors living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities can brighten someone’s day during a time of year that can be exceptionally lonely. 

Again, we ask, that you please dig deep this year, as the Upper Ohio Valley has so many times before. A donation of money, toys or even canned goods really does go far.  

The needs of those struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children won’t go away any time soon, so be kind and give during this season of perpetual hope.