With most of Thanksgiving’s turkey and pumpkin pie gone, thoughts turn from a time of thanks to the season of giving.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, the greatest gift ever offered in the history of the world.

For generations, much of the world celebrates this glorious gift by offering up gifts to one another and to those who are less fortunate.

Today, we begin our annual series called Season of Wishes, featuring nonprofits in the area that are in need this holiday season.

Many of these groups depend on donations of time and money from local residents to provide services that are in critical need in the Miss-Lou.

In each story, we will also include information about how exactly people can help those nonprofit groups.

We encourage residents to consider finding a cause that is near and dear to their hearts and making a donation. Even a small donation can be of great help to these nonprofit organizations.

Offering some of our own blessings to others is not only a good thing, but it’s also what all Christians are called to do.

The Apostle Matthew recorded in chapter 24, verse 40:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

It’s important for us all to remember how blessed we are and how much even a small portion of what we have can provide blessings to so many others in need.