Tis the season to help others

Each year at this time we ask you to show your "Goodwill to Men" during the Christmas season by trying to help others. This year, the need is especially great.

Doesn't take a wise man to see that the national economic situation has been hard on nearly everyone in the last couple years. For those who already had trouble paying their bills or putting food on the table, times are even tougher than usual. A hard winter lies ahead for too many of our friends and neighbors.

So, if you're looking for a good cause this holiday season, there's no shortage of them. Last week we urged you to shop locally. This week, we urge you to give locally. And in doing so, you will know that your dollars are not wasted and actually go to people in need.

McEAT, as always

At the top of our list is the McEAT food pantry. Short for Morgan County Assistance Team, McEAT was organized in the early 1980s recession and has been aiding local folks ever since.

Totally run by volunteers, the food bank provides canned goods and staples to individuals and families. Items for McEAT can be put in a barrel in the lobby of the Berkeley Springs detachment of the West Virginia State Police.

An even more pressing concern for the local charity and the people it serves is cash. Monetary donations not only allow McEAT to buy food in bulk, but permit some flexibility as well. The group must often assist families who are struggling with emergencies, prescription costs, and utility and fuel bills.

Donations may be sent to McEAT, P.O. Box 988, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.

Adopt a Family

If you're thinking about making Christmas brighter for families, consider the Starting Points program. Once again, Starting Points is working with Morgan County Schools in an "Adopt A Family" project.

Donations typically consist of an outfit for a child, plus a food basket or grocery store gift certificate. Toiletries, cleaning products and paper goods are suggested as optionals.

To adopt a family, call Starting Points at 304-258-5600, or contact a school office as soon as possible. They coordinate lists and work with the Salvation Army to make sure there is no duplication.

Toys for Tots

Making sure that kids get presents at Christmas is also the goal of Toys for Tots, which is run locally by the Berkeley Springs Lions Club in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps.

New, unwrapped toys are being sought for children of all ages. Collection boxes are at BB&T Bank, Berkeley Springs High School, CNB Bank locations, Clark's, Curves Fitness, Dawson's Ace Hardware, Family Dollar, Movie Gallery, Rankin's Physical Therapy and ROCS Service Station.

The toys will be distributed at a Toys for Tots party on December 11, so act fast. Eligible students receive invitations through their schools.

Cash donations for gifts may be sent to Toys for Tots, 650 Mawani Village Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. For more details or to have toys picked up, call Kim Mason at 304-258-6835.

Volunteer yourself

If you have no money to spare for donations this year, we bet nearly every volunteer and charitable group in the area would be thrilled with a gift of your time and effort.

Any year is a good one to get involved, but the present time is especially full of challenges. Just pick a group or cause that fits your interests and talents, contact them and ask what needs to be done.

Sowing charitable donations and helping others this Christmas season will reap you a crop of the holiday spirit that the season is really supposed to be about.