“We sat our kids down this year and asked them to give up one gift for others,” said a friend the other day.

His daughter, he said, immediately embraced the idea, eager to help.

“You know,” I said, “that not only speaks volumes of your daughter, but of your family.”

Economic times are very difficult right now, and with the release of each new jobless claims report, the stock market and politicians react. What we need to remember is these numbers represent people – people with families, people we attend church each week, people we stand behind in the grocery line.

According to the most recent figures released by the government, the number of people jobless for at least six months rose last month to 5.9 million. Additionally, the average length of unemployment now sits at 28 weeks – the longest recorded since 1948.

This is historically painful economic period for many.

The holiday season generally brings a tangible uptick in the spirit of giving each year. Suddenly soup kitchens are getting calls of how to help, food pantry’s shelves begin to increase, children toy collection drives distribute boxes at local businesses.

While this outpouring of generosity is a wonderful example of the just what makes our society special, we should also remember that “people in need” is not a seasonal issue. Particularly during these stressful times, we need to recognize and make every effort to reach out and help those who need our help.

There is no other nation on earth as generous as the American public. We give, not only at home, but also freely to those around the world. Giving to those in need is deeply embedded in the collective DNA of our country – possibly going back to our roots of our conservative beliefs. To those who contribute in this spirit, “a hand” is not a “handout.”

The other day I met a nice woman who approached me with her son in tow. After a few moments of speaking she mentioned she was currently unemployed. What struck me was not what she said but how it emotionally impacted her to verbalize her situation. This economic window we’re in is very real and closer than many may realize.

If there is a silver lining for us as a nation to carry forward, how about we hold on to our heightened sense of those in need? How about we commit ourselves to helping others year round instead of a seasonal contribution? Yes, I’m talking about each of us recognizing there is always someone we can help regardless of our current situation.

This season pick up the telephone and find a way to get plugged into helping others. And remember, helping others can be as easy as purchasing extra cans of soup during your weekly trip to the grocery store or donating a special skill you possess. Not sure where to start? Start at your local church or look for a non-profit organization and stop by and ask what you can do to help. Offering a hand, especially during these times, is not only the right thing to do, it is in your DNA.

(Woolsey is publisher of the Times-Georgian.)