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With Christmas just days away, it’s more than appropriate to think about helping those who do not have or those going through a tough time. It was, after all, a very important part of the message of the Savior, for whom the holiday is observed.

There are still many people in our community feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene. They are homeless, some lost their automobiles and everything they had. Roads and bridges were washed out. Some are in the process of being fixed, others will be fixed over time. Food, clothing, household items and many other needs have been met by people in our community and elsewhere.

There has truly been a giving spirit in the Carter County community. A natural disaster such as Hurricane Helene often brings out the best in people who quickly put personal activities on hold to help those in need. There has been a giving spirit present in this community and elsewhere since September 27, when the storm hit.

We have seen people reach deep into their pockets to give. Others have given of themselves and their time cleaning mud, water, and fallen trees from homes and properties. Many have prepared meals and worked shelters. Our generous community was the sunshine amid the storm.

It was easy to keep our spirits up because everywhere we looked, we saw the community doing what our community does in times such as these – stepping up. 

It’s a spirit likened unto the Christmas spirit – that of love, giving, and caring.

We have seen churches open their doors to those who have come from other states and cities to help with the cleanup effort. Among them was Grace Baptist Church. Elizabethton First Baptist became a shelter for those in need immediately after the storm. Others prepared meals and gave out water, food, and clothing to those in need. Still, others have been there to help in the cleanup effort. One church, Elizabethton First Free Will, whose basement was flooded, has been the recipient of funds to help with its cleanup efforts. In return, they have given thousands of dollars to others that lost everything. Another church, Beck Mountain Baptist – a small church in a rural community – has adopted a lady whose home in town was badly damaged by the flood waters. Members are working each week to repair her home, collecting funds, buying flooring, sheetrock and other supplies to re-build the home. Others are providing toys, clothing, and food for families in need this Christmas.

Giving is a big part of Christmas, but it isn’t a spirit that just shows up at Christmas, it shows up all year long in Carter County and Elizabethton. Aren’t we glad?

There are many opportunities to give this Christmas – the Salvation Army, the TLC Center, Hale’s Ministry, ARM, Food for the Multitude. They are there to give and help.

Eric Sevareid, a well-known newscaster, was known for saying “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.”

The greatness of the Christmas season is the generosity it stirs in all of us. It’s an excellent time of the year to volunteer, give, help, and do good things for others.

We all know and understand that it is better to give than to receive. Give as you can this holiday season to help those in need.