The holiday season is a time of giving. Giving to friends. Giving to family. Giving to coworkers. The list goes on and on, but hopefully somewhere on that list are the less fortunate members of the community.

A great way to give back to the community at this time of year is to take part in the program being co-sponsored by L’Observateur and the Young Marines to benefit the residents of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home. Until Dec. 17 the newspaper will be collecting donations of toiletries, books, travel games, cards and art supplies for the veterans, and the week of Christmas the Young Marines and L’Observateur staff members will deliver the items to the home.

Of course there are many other opportunities for giving in the River Parishes. The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting its annual toy drive. Louisiana Technical College in Reserve’s Student Government Association is also collecting toys for local children. Additionally, the New Life Women’s Center in LaPlace is holding a coat and canned food drive. The center, which aids battered women, is collecting coats for children, women and men. Many churches also hold holiday drives.

Upriver, St. James Parish is currently collecting donations for its annual Toy and Coat Drive. Additionally, Boy Scout Troop 59 and Gem Drugs in Gramercy are holding a food drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul.

Giving does not always have to involve opening one’s wallet, however. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, and the River Parishes offer a number of ways that residents can give of themselves. The aforementioned Veterans Home is always looking for volunteers as are area hospitals and nursing homes.

So, regardless of one’s situations, there really is no excuse for not living the true spirit of the season.