The just-passed holiday weekend offered a contrast of sorts between appreciation for family, friends and health over a turkey dinner, and the recent "Black Friday"phenomenon of waiting in line for pre-dawn store openings in search of Christmas bargains.

The mixed messages would seem to pose a challenge to most Americans, especially given the recent media focus on the evolving economic crisis. But despite all the negative economic news, there is evidence that most people are not only coping, but actually putting an increased focus on people in need.

Rather than slashing their holiday shopping, most Americans seem to be planning near-normal holiday shopping, perhaps with a heightened emphasis on finding bargains. And to a certain degree that's good, because consumer spending, as well as consumer psychology, will be important factors in helping to return the nation to better economic times.

So it appears that while holiday shopping continues — even if slightly constrained — most Americans are not forgetting those in need.

Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday was a time to reflect and appreciate the simple, and priceless, gifts of family, friends, community and health. And while most Americans are no doubt concerned about the troubling economic news, there is comforting evidence that they also are looking beyond their own circumstances to think of others' needs.

A recent Associated Press article in the Butler Eagle reported that national charities are expecting to see giving levels consistent with past years. Some are even seeing evidence of increased giving — and that's very good news.

The AParticle noted that employees at Boeing Co. in Seattle tripled their donations to the regional food bank. And the United Way of King County, which covers the Seattle area, reports that it expects to reach its $110 million goal this year.

Balancing traditional gift buying and charitable giving with a person's or family's financial situation can be a challenge. And this year, that balancing act is likely to be more difficult than ever.

But seeing stable, or even growing, support for charitable groups is encouraging.

A national telephone survey mentioned in the AP article found that seven in 10 people plan to spend less on presents this year, but about half also say they are more likely to give a charitable gift than a traditional toy or electronic item.

Keeping Thanksgiving in mind as the Christmas season approaches might help with maintaining a healthy balance. Troubling economic conditions and uncertainty about the near-term future could cause some people to curtail their gift buying somewhat. But given that consumer spending accounts for nearly 70 percent of the U.S. economy, a dramatic pullback on spending would be harmful because a dramatic drop in consumer activity would only lead to more dire reports from retailers and more bad news from WallStreet.

At the same time people consider adjusting their spending on gifts, many are properly considering that the need for many of the services provided by nonprofit organizations do not decline during economic slowdowns, but instead, generally increase. So it is encouraging to see that most people understand that need and are responding accordingly. Historically, charitable giving is recession-proof, and now is not the time for an exception to that rule.

While the current economic crisis is unprecedented in many ways, it's clear that the human needs served by charitable organizations are as great as ever. So, it will be important for people across the United States to factor their own personal financial situation into their planned gift giving, but to not forget to find a way to maintain — or even increase —their giving to local, regional or national charitable organizations.

Now is the time to remember the joy of giving, especially when that giving makes a real difference in a person's life. So, instead of one more gift to someone who already has enough "stuff," it's worth remembering the United Way, a food cupboard, a church or any other local charity.