It’s not a sentiment you often hear expressed, but flipping through the pages of a community newspaper this time of year is enough to restore your faith in mankind. Or at least that’s the case for this newspaper, in this community.

While there never seems to be a dearth of certain sorts of stories that far too often remind you of the baser side of human existence, this time of year the news pages are filled with the efforts of people hoping to help those less fortunate.

In fact, the volume of such stories here in Forsyth County, and the amazing outpouring of community support to help those in need, is pretty amazing.

Flip through the pages of any recent edition of the Forsyth County News and you’ll see one example after another of local residents doing what they can to improve the plight of someone during the holiday season. From community food drives to empty stocking campaigns, area residents show amazing creativity in finding ways to help others, and display an abundance of volunteer spirit to convert ideas into action.

It truly is heartwarming to see the outpouring of charitable spirit locally during the holiday season.

What’s sad, however, is that there are so many who are in need. The lingering damage done by a morose national economy that has yet to fully rebound has left many in dire circumstances, often through no fault of their own. For some of them, the need for basics, like food, shelter, clothing, is dire.

Some area food banks have reported this year that request for assistance have hit record numbers, and even though donations are up, demand still exceeds availability. And while the problem is spotlighted during the holidays, in truth it remains an issue long after the stockings are no longer hung by the chimney with care.

We hope, as you enjoy the festive, busy days leading up to Christmas, replete with frantic shopping sprees, gaily decorated parties and delicious meals, you’ll take time to think of those whose season may not be as merry and bright. Whether you take advantage of an opportunity to drop a dollar in a Salvation Army kettle, make a donation of canned goods to the local food bank, or drop off a toy at a local collection site, please do your part to share the joy of the season with others this year.

If you don’t know how to help, just look through the pages of the newspaper. Opportunities abound. Or, for help in finding local charitable efforts, call the United Way of Forsyth County, which serves as an umbrella organization for many such programs.