For most of us, November and December are a joyful time filled with family and friends, goodies and gifts. We put daily entries on our calendars to make sure we can attend all of the fun holiday parties, open house events and Christmas sales. We plan meals, we buy presents, we put up Christmas decorations. We celebrate!

But while you're rockin' around the Christmas tree this holiday season, there's a single mom out there wondering if she can afford the additional electricity it would take to put lights on her tree, not to mention buying her two young children the small gifts they write to Santa about. There are families struggling to put food on the table after job layoffs and major medical bills. They can't begin to think about a big turkey dinner with pumpkin pie or prime rib and cheesy potatoes. And don't forget about the elderly living alone who have no one to share the holidays with.

Our community has always taken care of each other.  Surely, this year will be no different. But the various sharing programs don't just happen. They need YOU to participate. Whether you choose one or donate to them all, please consider giving just a little of your own holiday cheer to lighten the load another family. Here's just a sample:

• The Gothenburg Shares program is a drive to collect funds to purchase all of the fixin's for a traditional Christmas meal. It is organized by the Rotary Club and donations are accepted at The Gothenburg Times office, Flatwater Bank or 1st State Bank. 
• The Angel Tree is also a project of Gothenburg's Rotary Club. A Christmas tree at Edward Jones Investments, 927 Lake Avenue, is covered with wish lists from local children. These aren't extravagant requests. They're more like winter clothes and small toys. You don't even have to wrap the presents ... Edward Jones will do that part for you.
• The Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department collects new toys for its Operation Santa Claus gift program. They delivered toys to 75 families last year, many with multiple children. Sander Furniture has a freewill donation Santa event on Saturday, Nov. 30, to help raise funds for this program. Contact a fireman to find out how to help.

These are just a small sample of giving opportunities here in Gothenburg. There are churches and school groups and other civic organizations that also hope to spread holiday happiness. So maybe instead of buying one more gift to put under your own Christmas tree this year, you could donate to a local drive and help a neighbor in need. You won't regret it!

Get out there and support your local businesses this holiday season. And while you're at it, register to win up to $500 in Swede Bucks to put right back into the Gothenburg economy. Each of the 20 businesses contributed to the total amount of Swede Bucks because they believe in supporting each other and our own Gothenburg residents.

This is a great way to keep it local!

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