Through the work we’ve done on our in-depth series on Shelby County’s economy, we know that county citizens are coming to terms with the state of the economy — the “new normal,” as county Finance Manager Butch Burbage put it.

Even though household income is down more than 8 percent, Shelby County residents are finding ways to adapt and financially support the things most important to them.

As we approach the holiday season, with Thanksgiving coming quickly and Christmas not far behind, we at the Shelby County Reporter hope county citizens will find ways to financially support the multiple charities and organizations reaching out to those in need.

Whether you’re able to write a check or purchase food supplies for local organizations, anything you can do will help.

If you just can’t give of your money, then give of your time. Any church or charity is likely looking for volunteers to help sort donations, serve food or provide support in other ways.

It’s been a tough few years for all of us economically, as evidenced by the county’s jobless rate, which has tripled from 2.3 percent in 2007 to 7 percent in 2011.

Many of those people will depend on county charities and nonprofit organizations to provide services during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the only way those services can continue is if all of us who are able to help actually do so.

Here are some organizations to contact if you don’t already have one in mind to help: Shelby County Department of Human Resources, 669-3000; Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging, 670-5770; Shelby/Bibb County Red Cross, 987-2792; Owens House, 669-3333; SafeHouse of Shelby County, 669-1877; and United Way of Central Alabama, 251-5131.

The We Say is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.