The holiday season is upon us. It is traditionally a season of giving, a time when many of us will open our hearts to those around us who are in need. Shelby County has been richly blessed as one of the most affluent counties in the state of Alabama and as was said best in the Good Book, &8220;To whom much is given, much is expected.&8221;

There are a number of ways Shelby Countians can &8220;give back&8221; this holiday season. We need only do a little research.

Local charities will be collecting food and donations to provide a

Thanksgiving meal for those who otherwise would not be blessed with one.

Then, as Christmas comes ever nearer, local organizations will begin gathering gifts for foster children, abused and neglected children and others whose outlook may not be a bright as the majority of Shelby Countians.

This is our chance. Local organizations have expressed concern that the overwhelming response to victims of Hurricane Katrina may decrease the amount of local giving this holiday season.

We don’t believe that’s true, however. Shelby County residents have forever shown the capacity for taking care of their own. And we suspect this season will be no different.