As the holiday season comes to a close, many can feel good about the time spent with family and friends.

Others still can feel good about the contributions they made or time they gave to local charities and causes in the spirit of the holiday season.

Last Sunday alone, 48 Salvation Army volunteers helped put together food baskets and wrap presents for children. Those baskets and presents helped a total of 1,479 people this Christmas.

Many businesses made their stores available for Salvation Army bell-ringers. Others contributed toys, such as Midwest Wireless, or food, such as Sterling State Bank.

The United Way campaign recently wrapped up and exceeded its goal due to generous businesses and individuals.

All of the contributions to those groups will help the less-fortunate in this area. Whether an individual dropped a few bucks into a Salvation Army bucket, or a business raised more than $1,000 for a cause, each contribution made someone's Christmas a little more enjoyable.

But as the holidays become mere memories, those who needed assistance at Christmas will still need assistance next week. They may still need help next month.

And the agencies that give these people a boost struggle to provide needed services because donations dwindle when the holidays are over.

As we start a new year, remember that those who are financially strapped need assistance throughout the year -- not just at Christmas time.

The Christmas spirit is what seems to drive these campaigns and donations. But that "spirit" seems to be nothing more than selfless generosity -- something that can be shared all year long.

Austinites are generous with their time and money. Many volunteer and support local causes.

Despite hard economic times we hope people continue to do so.

In this new year, we should resolve to make the Christmas spirit a year-round motivation for giving.

Our community will continue to be a great place to live because of it.