Perusing over the list of Christmas needs for children in our area is heartbreaking.

Sure, on their wish list is the expected collection of things that allow kids to actually be kids.

You know, like dolls, robots, video games, princesses and Thomas the Train.

But the sad part is that nearly each and every one — and that includes all of the ones The Tribune and its employees sponsor — need the most basic items for winter survival.

Coat. Gloves. Hat. Socks. Underwear.

These kids need the most basic necessities that we all take for granted.

How many times have you tossed aside one of those items for some trivial reason or another? Maybe it didn’t fit right or was damaged or just didn’t have the right look.

These children don’t have that luxury.

However, thanks to the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals group, they will at least have that option.

Most readers have seen that The Tribune has given this group and this cause a lot of ink in recent days. And for a good reason.

This organization is doing tremendous work with its Secret Santa program, which is what led the newspaper to put together our Season of Giving series.

The overriding goal was to show the entire community that those in need are truly our neighbors and also to recognize the volunteers and organizations who are making a difference.

The Young Professionals adopted this program last year, on short notice, once it was determined that the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services wouldn’t have the resources.

In just a few weeks the professionals’ group was able to help out more than 400 children.

They were hoping to build on their success — and it turns out that they really needed to do just that.

Nearly double the number of families sought help this year, pushing the YPs to the limit.

That is just one of the reasons why The Tribune wanted to lend a hand.

And it isn’t too late to help.

Anyone who wants to help out the children of Lawrence County through the Secret Santa program can do so in two ways.

They can send a check of any amount they wish made out to the LEDC Secret Santa and send it to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce office, P.O. Box 488, South Point, OH 45680.

Or indivduals and businesses can also sponsor children by contacting Casey Baker of the Young Professionals at 304-691-8410 or e-mailing at lcypgroup@gmail.com.

For me, as a father of two girls, I spend a lot more time in the Barbie aisle than I do the Hot Wheels or action figure section.

So I chose to personally sponsor two male children. And I won’t be able to help myself from choosing a toy or two from those wish lists but I’ll be sure those other needs will be met as well.

The two children — one 3 and one 10 — won’t have to worry about getting cold if we are blessed with a white Christmas this year.

And that is what the Season of Giving is all about.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.