The holidays tend to bring out the best in a community, and that was the case in Lawrence County.

From the annual bike giveaway in Ironton by John Dickess and Don Schwartz, to the Christmas party put on for children in the village of Proctorville, to the yearly angel tree at Symmes Valley High, there were numerous examples of people hoping to make Christmas brighter for others.

One of the biggest was the yearly food giveaway at the Chesapeake Community Center, conducted by Chesapeake Community Mission Outreach.

Led by Don Moore, CMO volunteers and others from the community, including a few local high schools, carts were loaded with food and provided to more than 500 households.

In addition to the food giveaway, there were rooms offering toys for children, as well as clothing for all ages.

Meanwhile, at the Open Door School in Ironton, the children were treated to the first of what is hoped to be an annual tradition.

The school was contacted by the River City Buccaneers, who were interested in organizing a Christmas party at the school.

The owners of the team organized fundraisers and paid for the effort, which brought Santa Claus, a pizza party, gifts and more to the school.

We commend everyone involved in these and many charitable efforts throughout the area this Christmas season and take comfort in knowing that the spirit of giving is alive and well.