Almost without fail, Mississippi is often at the top of all the bad lists and at the bottom of all the good lists.

Except in one case — generosity.

Yes, the state ranked at the bottom of the “haves” list is at the top of the “gives” list. Louisiana is near the top, too.

Mississippians, the study by the Catalogue for Philanthropy says, don’t mind sharing what they have and giving to those less fortunate.

It’s a key part of what makes the state special.

This morning, we kick off the beginning of our annual Season of Wishes series that highlights area charitable organizations.

For the next couple of weeks, we’ll feature 20 of the area’s charities; let you know what they need most and how you can help them.

We do this not just because it’s the holiday season and people are generally in a more giving spirit. We promote these charities because their work in our community is priceless.

Those charities often do work that no one else will do and it’s generally highly needed in the community.

For the charities, the need is 365 days, even if the season of giving is often only around the holidays.

We hope you enjoy the series and we hope you’ll give if you are able. Your community depends on your generosity.