Hopefully, we all have someone to share our happiness with and we identify any opportunity to offer charity that may come our way. We should always remember that there are those out there who do not realize the same comforts we enjoy, and, despite the holiday season, unfortunate circumstances can arise that can put a damper on an individual’s or a family’s celebrations.

I often remember something a good friend said to me when we were discussing someone who was obviously in need. He told me that he didn’t understand why many of us frequently tell someone who is in a bad situation, “Let me know if you need anything,” and then go on our way and do nothing. He continued by asking, “Why not just do something, anything?”

That struck home to me, and I catch myself anytime I offer that shallow platitude.

Keeping in mind that doing anything is almost always better than doing nothing, I suggest that we should always consider a better way to respond. Perhaps we need not consider anything more than what would make us feel better in a rough situation. Often it may be something as simple as a kind word or gesture. It might be just stopping by to check in to let them know you sincerely care or doing a small bit of unexpected service. Charity never faileth.

Now more than ever, opportunities to help others can be easily found. This year, I have served on the Utah County Winter Task Force, and it has been a blessing to see what our county has done to help those in need, particularly those who just want a warm place to sleep at night. The warming centers are looking for volunteers to help at these locations and it is a wonderful chance to help those in need.

To sign up and/or find out more information, visit app.vomo.org/opportunity/warming-center. Stay safe, stay warm and share to help spread the word! For additional resource information, visit https://211utah.org/ or call 801-441-1993.

I sincerely wish for a wonderful holiday season for all those in our community this year and hope that you will find true joy as we travel toward the experiences of a new year.

May God continue to bless your family, our country and our communities now and into the future.