Giving to charity is a wonderful thing. In addition to the personal satisfaction giving to charity brings, it allows money to be allocated toward a community need.

It’s also something that can be done year-round, though most only do so at certain times.

For some, we prefer giving of our time and money to national programs, such as Relay For Life. Others prefer a more local option, like the Valley Haven Hike/Bike/Run.

Others might want to donate to the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child or the Christian Service Center in Huguley.

These are all wonderful programs, but charity should not just be relegated to springtime or Christmas, it can be done year-round without spectacle.

Several events throughout the year provide this option, as do opportunities available alongside the plethora of churches in the area.

One of the best forms of charity is giving spontaneously and without exhibition. Charity does not always need to be a well-planned, coordinated attack coinciding a financial element, though those do help.

Sometimes, going to a nursing home and spending time with the residents, or visiting one of our local libraries and setting up a time to read to children can be just as beneficial as a monetary donation.Helping an elderly neighbor or donating blood does not take financial means, but can positively impact the lives of those in our community.

Charity is defined as “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering.”

So let’s do that throughout the year and not make it a spectacle.