Today, volunteers are gathering at the Chesapeake Community Center, where they will spend the day sorting through food donations and toys and putting together packages.

It is all in preparation for the Community Mission Outreach’s annual Christmas giveaway on Thursday, where, all day, a steady stream of cars will roll past the back door and volunteers will wheel out carts filled with donations, which will make Christmas brighter for those in need who registered for the event.

Last week, members of law enforcement from around the county took part in Shop with a Cop at South Point Walmart, helping dozens of families purchase toys, clothing and other items, while the Proctorville Fire Department is set to host a similar event this weekend for Fairland Elementary children.

Today, South Point High students will also be hosting a Christmas event for children in need, while Dawson-Bryant and Symmes Valley schools, as well as NECCO have had Angel Trees, where people can buy items for children on their lists.

And on Saturday, many area children will receive a bike, thanks to the annual efforts at Dickess Automotive.

The spirit of giving and community is strong in Lawrence County this season and these are only a small portion of events and charitable drives going on this month.

We commend all who organized them and thank the region’s residents for their generosity.