Ah, another year has passed and the Christmas Season is upon us! Unfortunately, a greater number of our families, friends, and neighbors will find it difficult to rejoice this year. Indeed, many will be all too happy to see 2009 pass. Last December, we had hoped that 2009 would bring some relief from a 7.8 percent unemployment rate in our county. It now stands officially at over 11 percent – “real” unemployment being much higher – with layoffs continuing. And for every job opening, nationally there are six people on the unemployment rolls. None of this is good for a county with a median household income of just $30,597 versus $41,994 nationally. And with county taxes hitting households like a lump of coal in December and the cost of everything we need rising, many families and businesses are facing the brink.

It is in times like these that those of us who can help, must help. Fortunately, Carroll County is blessed with a truly wonderful way to reach out and help others during the Christmas season – a way that embodies the true spirit of Christmas. Purely local, financially efficient, and amazingly effective, our own homegrown Carroll Christmas Fund (CCF) has grown since 1997 to become an enduring and shining light of faith, hope, and charity in this county. It is heartening to see an entire community selflessly pull together, united by a simple desire to do good. In this age of cynicism, CCF demonstrates the goodness of human nature and serves as a perfect model for our behavior throughout the year. As coordinator Dennis Ward has said, “the effort is simple and pure and what Christmas is all about.”

This year hundreds of our citizens from all walks of life will pitch in with the effort to provide over 425 families with food for the holidays and provide toys for over 460 children. Those helping will represent every aspect of our community, from our fire departments to our businesses, schools and churches. Every year this magnificent effort grows, with more and more groups and individuals taking part. And, unfortunately, that help is urgently needed to meet the ever growing needs in this county. We can only hope that 2010 will bring some relief.

You can take part and gain some comfort from the fact that our community is doing what it can for our friends in need this December by simply contributing funds, new toys or children’s clothing, or your time in helping the many organizations helping to collect food, clothes and money. There is no better way to experience the joy and true meaning of the Christmas holiday season. No contribution is too small. (Contributions can be mailed or dropped off at the Dawn Auction Company, 235 West Stuart Drive, Hillsville, VA 24343. Checks should be made out to the Carroll Christmas Fund.) For information on how you can help, call 728-9181. A real benefit for givers is that the Carroll Christmas Fund has obtained tax exempt status from the IRS, so all donations are tax deductible.

This year Christmas boxes will be prepared at the VFW on Thursday, December 17th at 6 p.m., with delivery from the VFW starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 19th.