The holiday season elicits a broad range of feelings in people. The most important is that wonderful feeling of giving. We give presents to our family and close friends and often want to extend that a little bit to include others on our list. Today, as always, a very long list of deserving charities and organizations hopes to be included on your list.

At the top of many lists is Toys for Tots. Started in 1947 "to bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children," Toys for Tots is executed by the Marine Corps. You can check for local drop-off sites or donate money directly at their website www.toysfortots.org. The lines you see each year give testament to how much this charity means to families who cannot otherwise provide toys for their young children.

Every one of us knows the tinkle of that bell for the Salvation Army. This international organization is part of the Universal Christian church. Besides disaster relief, they provide basic necessities of life—food, shelter, and warmth—and offer many programs for rebuilding the lives of those in peril. Approximately 30 million people received help from the Salvation Army in 2011. You will help others each time you put money in one of the red buckets or donate on their website www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Food banks and soup kitchens also provide necessities year round, and the holidays place a considerable strain on donations and manpower. You can find them in your community with a call to the City Clerk or on sites like feedingamerica.org. All the better if you can spare some of your time, as your gift will be appreciated by the many grateful people you will encounter.

Your local church may be a natural part of your donating during the holidays. Churches serve the community in many ways and deserve your consideration. Some have toy donation programs or serve holiday dinners, while others operate thrift shops and help to clothe families in need. Most are associated with food banks, and all want to help the community be a more joyful place during the holidays. A call to your church office will inform you about the biggest needs with which you can help.

You can also check with your local hospitals. Particularly, children may have to spend the holidays in the hospital, adding worry and financial drain to families. A new toy or even volunteering to read to a child could make all the difference. And while you are there, why not give blood? Your donation might be the most important gift of all to someone in crisis.