Recently, I was asked to assist a local educational charity in procuring donations of food for a fundraising Christmas dinner. The menu, while not extensive, was not inexpensive.

In the waning days of the year, during a dark economic time, I must confess to a certain trepidation as I contemplated approaching local restaurateurs to solicit their wares. When everything is down, how did I expect these hardworking folks to have food and funds to spare?

Once I overcame my own hesitation and started asking, I was delighted and encouraged by the unanimous support I received. Local friends and acquaintances went beyond what was asked, giving joyously to make the future a little brighter for local kids and their families.

Again and again, this Town gives of itself and its resources to make life better for others. This is a great place to live and work – which is why people keep coming here.

As you make your own Christmas plans, remember those less fortunate, those no longer working or no longer fully employed. Give to a local service club's food drive, the fuel fund, the Giving Tree or Toys for Tots. By giving away a little bit of yourself, you'll find that you have more to go around.

In times of economic uncertainty, it makes sense to sow seeds someplace where the good fruit they produce can't be taken away by the next stock market downturn.