Coats gathered during a drive leading up to Miracle on Main Street are given away to those who need them in Zelienople on Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

The gifts have been opened. The carols have mostly been sung. The leftover “roast beast” and figgy pudding are safely stored away. (I admit I had to look up what figgy pudding actually is.) In other words, the holidays are coming to a close and it’s time to look ahead to the new year.

All of those gifts can lead to some re-evaluation of what to keep and what to part with, as old items have often been replaced by new. The process isn’t just an opportunity to reduce clutter. It can be a chance to pass on your good fortune and help those in need.

There’s always need, but this year has been especially tough for many. As inflation continues to outpace wages, Christmas in some households was likely pretty sparse.

For some, thrift shops and outright donations to local charities could make the difference between a reliably warm winter jacket and shivering through the season. Unwanted gift cards can serve as a lifeline to someone struggling to pay for gas to get to work or put food on the table. Newly upgraded electronics can leave older technology free to help students stay connected to resources they rely on for education and socialization.

This year, consider parting with some of your used — but still functional — items for those in need or charities that will use them to provide the services so many need right now.

After all, just because the holidays are coming to an end, doesn’t mean generosity has to.

— JP