The Season of Giving is truly upon us, and it has nothing to do with Christmas presents.

No, the real definition of that phrase centers around what countless community organizations do from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day and, ultimately all year long, to lift those in need of a helping hand.

The need for food, clothing and other support always spikes significantly around the holidays and the charitable groups serving Winchester and Clark County go above and beyond when it comes to making a difference for those in need.

But none of these groups can do it without the continued support from the community.

As people start filling out their Christmas lists and spending their hard-earned money buying material things for loved ones, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the gift we can give to our community.

A small commitment of time toward a volunteer effort, a minimal financial contribution or even the donation of last year’s Christmas present that never got opened can make a huge difference for an organization or person facing hard times this holiday season.

Some of the organizations making a difference right here at home include Clark County Community Services, the Clark County Homeless Coalition, the Beacon of Hope Homeless Shelter and the Salvation Army.

Certainly, we know this isn’t an all-inclusive list and we applaud every organization or group that is giving back.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday, but we hope everyone takes a moment to remember the reason for the season and feel the spirit of giving.

The old cliché is “that it is better to give than to receive.” That is certainly the case when you are giving back to your community and making someone’s holiday a little brighter. Those are gifts that cannot be bought and are truly priceless.