Across our communities, some businesses and retail establishments have chosen to host Salvation Army Angel Trees this season. We thank them for their willingness to help us help those in need this holiday season.

The Angel Trees serve as tangible reminders that each tag hanging from a branch is a child who, without you and others, might not have as merry and bright a Christmas morning this year.

But with your help and your love, so much is possible.

Each tag represents a child whose parents aren’t in a position to ask Santa to fulfill a wish list so long the gifts under the tree spill over into the next room.

But just maybe, with you acting as go-between, there will be a few new toys, clothing, shoes, books, games and other gifts to be unwrapped this holiday season.

The process is so very simple. When you’re out and about, grab a tag, read the child’s description and wishes and then go to work. Read the instructions on the tag and fulfill them by the deadline. Perhaps a campaign through your workplace, where you and your colleagues pick several tags and chip in to provide for a handful of youngsters, would be a good way to give back. There are so many options available.

Financial donations are accepted, too, as Salvation Army volunteers will work to fill in any gaps and provide a Merry Christmas for all the Ohio Valley’s children.

Meanwhile, with the start of the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign, your routine shopping will be accompanied by the sounds of bells jingling in the colder air. It doesn’t quite feel like the holidays without it.

That campaign is a significant contributor to the Salvation Army being able to fulfill its goal of “Doing the most good.”

Holiday giving helps support shelters, food pantries, rent and utility assistance, disaster relief and so much more.

Those are year-round needs, of course. But this time of year brings out the desire in so many to give — to help. Be a helper. Grab an Angel Tree tag, toss what you can into the Red Kettle, and look for other ways to keep someone warmer, feed someone, guide them to the resources they need. Live up to the spirit of the season. It will be a gift for you, too.