We know; there’s only so much to go around.

During a continually improving — sluggish, but improving — economy, the ability to spend what you want, where you want on what you want is tough. Then, on top of all of those individual needs, meeting the needs of your family and what seems like the longest Christmas wish list in the history of children putting together wish lists, donating to a charity or making tithes at church is tough.

We know; there’s only so much to go around.

Over the Christmas and holiday seasons, we are routinely bombarded with those making requests; whether it be our family making requests of gifts or of our time, and those local non-profits and churches asking for support of their amazing programs.

We know; there’s only so much to go around.

But, despite the demands of our time and our money, there are some of both to go around. And, there are groups operating within Vicksburg and Warren County who would make for wise investments of whatever time, money and even prayer you could afford.

For many organizations, such as The Salvation Army, this Christmas season and their annual Red Kettle campaign accounts for the majority of their annual fundraising. They have the amazing ability to take the pennies and nickels donated over the next few weeks and stretch them over the next 12 months, working to meet the demands of some of our friends, our neighbors and our family members who are struggling with one challenge or another.

Currently, the United Way of West Central Mississippi is in the mist of their annual campaign, working to raise more than $1.2 million to help provide crucial funding to more than 20 partner agencies.

Then, there are our local churches, all working to serve the needs of not only their congregation, but the community as a whole.

They work to fund Meals of Wheels, medical missions within our community and just about every possible need in between and beyond.

But, we know, there’s only so much to go around.

These are just a few examples of the great organizations and groups working in our community and who are asking for support. And, we’ve not even mentioned the work of local food pantries, soup kitchens and those working to provide warm clothing over the upcoming cold months.

It is a fact there are far more needs than our ability to meet them. But, through our change, our time and our prayers, we, as a community, are able to meet those needs and more.

We are far greater, far stronger, together than we are as individuals.

This Christmas and holiday season, find a way to give. If you’re not able to do so with money, find the time to donate. And, if neither of those is possible, pray for those working to help those in need.