This is the time of year when people will be called upon to help the most needy among us.

Different groups will be holding food drives so struggling families can put fabulous holiday meals on their tables.

Angel trees will be set up and people will be urged to make a dream come true for a little boy or girl whose mom or dad might not be able to afford rent and Christmas presents too.

Salvation Army bell ringers will be at store entrances seeking your spare change so they can continue to help people not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

The Minot Daily News encourages its readers to give whatever they can to the charity of their choice.

But if a monetary donation is not possible for you this year, there are still many ways you can help.

Please consider befriending someone who might be alone and lonely this holiday season. Volunteer your time to help a a senior citizen who doesn’t drive and might need a ride to and from the doctor’s office or the grocery store.

Pay attention to your neighbors, especially the ones who never get visitors and rarely go out. Your smile or a brief conversation might just be the only human contact that person has all week.

Some readers out there are likely lonely and depressed and out of sorts and will find it hard to get into the spirit of the holiday season. These people might find the most benefit in giving of their time and talents this season. As St. Francis of Assisi said, it is “in giving of ourselves that we receive.”