If you don’t think we have people in need in Vicksburg, you have another think coming.

For a variety of reasons, some in our area are down on their luck. It’s difficult to not judge. However, try to think of the reasons some are down on their luck. If you do, you may realize, there but for the grace of God…

Maybe some didn’t get the start in life that most children get, and their circumstances have never improved.

Maybe they have been caught up in the many job layoffs our economic has suffered in recent years, or have had a medical emergency and can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner or to buy Christmas presents for their family.

Maybe some are struggling with mental illness or drug addiction.

Regardless the cause, we have people in need in Vicksburg and Warren County.

We ask that you resolve this year to help make their circumstances better. Do something — even if it’s some little thing — to help others this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

You can help in a variety of ways.

• Give a donation to the United Way. Better yet, set up payroll deductions through your employer. No better way exists to ensure that your donations stay right here at home and help reputable non-profit agencies doing good here.

• Adopt a family or child for Christmas through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Call the Salvation Army at 601-636-2706 for more information.

If you have no children to buy Christmas for this year, you will be amazed at how much fun you’ll have buying Christmas gifts for a child in need.

• Don’t forget pets this season. Give a donation to the Vicksburg Warren Humane Society. Call 601-636-6631 for more information.

• A number of organizations feed needy people here every day. These groups are more than deserving of your help, whether it be through volunteering your time or through a donation. Call River City Rescue Mission at 601-636-6602. Or give to the Storehouse Community Food Pantry of Vicksburg, which provides food for those who are without it. Give to Storehouse by donating at vicksburgfoodpantry.org or drop off canned goods or non-perishable food items at drop boxes at Vicksburg area grocery stores.

Make it part of your gift to yourself this year to give to others.