Leave room on your gift list for needy

The just-completed holiday shopping trilogy of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday signals the season of giving — and buying — is in full swing.

And, early indications are shoppers are opening their wallets with more gusto than in recent years, which is good news for retailers of all shapes and sizes.

Once again the sights and sounds of the season include cash registers ringing and stores filled with people carrying loads of packages.

But as you work your way through gift lists that may include jewelry for your sweetheart, a sweater for Mom and a Wii for the kids, keep in mind not everyone is so fortunate this holiday season.

With foreclosures and unemployment still extraordinarily high, far too many among us are without money for gifts and maybe not even a hearty holiday meal to plan.

So, while you shop for family and friends, consider adding an item or two to your gift list to grant the holiday wishes for someone less fortunate.

There is plenty of need in our region.

For example, Catholic Charities of Lake County reported last week it is seeking help to narrow the gap between need and donations to ensure all the children on its list get something for the holidays.

Officials say the Adopt-a-Family program has matched donors with 13,000 applicants for gifts, but 700 who are registered have not been matched. Another 250 families are on a waiting list.

About 90 percent of the applicants are children, officials said.

“The goal is to give them something to learn from, something to play with, and something to cuddle with,” Catholic Charities spokesman Phil Caruso told the Daily Herald’s Mick Zawislak.

To stretch donations this year, the charity is providing gifts only for children instead of every member of a family.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are plenty of opportunities for those of us who are fortunate to have jobs and the ability to buy gifts to help.

Churches, a variety of social service agencies, pantries, high school service projects, all are among a long list of do-gooder programs collecting gifts and food. There are also ample volunteer opportunities.

Lest you think the benefits of such altruism are only for those in need, experts contend givers gain as well — including from the release of endorphins in the brain producing a feeling of the “helper’s high,” from a decrease in stress that leads to better health and from the ripple effect of generosity spread in the community.

It’s the chance to brighten the holidays for you and someone else.