I was in Wal-Mart last week and I overheard two ladies discussing a family that was in need of help for the holidays. It was very possibly a story you would hear anywhere these days.

A husband and wife had two children, and he had been laid off while her hours had been cut back to part-time.

They lost their house to foreclosure and were behind on several of their monthly bills.

It made me realize how many blessings I had and that I needed to help as many people as I can this year. I also decided that giving to others is a lesson I needed to begin teaching my child by taking her with me to pick out a gift for a child who otherwise would not receive one.

It’s important that we all take a look at what we can sacrifice this Christmas in order to make sure a family that has nothing can at least provide a couple toys for their children, or that an elderly person in a nursing home who has no family will at least have one gift to open.

There are so many ways you can give back. Adopt an Angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree, talk to local schools about families they know are in need, visit a nursing home and ask if they have an elderly person that is in need or stop by a shelter to help meet some needs.

It may take you a couple hours and an extra $50, but you will be giving someone else a very Merry Christmas.

The best part is, you might never know the name of the people you helped, but they will know that someone cared enough to help them when they were down.

So, next time you’re out shopping and you’re purchasing the 25th item on your loved ones’ wish list, remember there are people out there that will not have a Christmas unless we as a community step up and help each other.

Take the time to care about other people and know that if you get down, people will be there to care for you.