This time of year, it’s not hard to find people who are helping others.

Just this past weekend, there were two food giveaways for disadvantaged families. More are coming up this week, including one at the former Copeland’s restaurant on Portsmouth Boulevard from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday. (Call 724-7042 to sign up.)

Many people are donating money, food, time and services to help others this holiday season. What are you doing?

There are a lot of people hurting. As you read this, there are people wondering how to get their children Christmas presents, put food on the table tonight, or replace their worn-out shoes.

You might think there are plenty of people helping and that you’ll just get in the way. If you think that, do me a favor and call one of the organizations listed below. Offer to help. If their response is, “Oh, you’ll just be in the way” – give me a call. My number is below. I won’t hold my breath.

If you think that children don’t need toys for Christmas – I have to say, I agree with you 100 percent. However, they do need clothes, shoes, food and the knowledge that somebody out there cares.

If you think that you may not be able to save quite as much this month, buy a new wardrobe or get your daily $6 coffee from Starbucks if you give to charity – get over it. Coffee’s bad for you anyway.

If you think you might not be able to pay your bills this month if you buy some food for others – give just a little. Dominion Power and Visa won’t miss one dollar.

With the economy in a downslide, many more people than in past years are in need of help. Those of us fortunate enough to still have a job, a place to live, a car to drive and food to eat should do all we can to help our neighbors.

Below, you can find a list of just a few area organizations that need your assistance this holiday season. Please sacrifice something, even if it’s just a little bit of your time.

American Red Cross – Suffolk

157 N Main St., Suite C

539-6645

The Salvation Army

400 Bank St.

539-5201

Suffolk United Way

707 Gittings St., Suite 160

539-1498

ForKids, Inc. Suffolk House

(Formerly the Center for Hope and New Beginnings)

400 Finney Ave.

934-1353

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

800 Tidewater Dr., Norfolk

627-6599

www.foodbankonline.org.