"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop

CHARLESTON, W.Va. --Today, as you gather with friends and family to give thanks, please take a moment to consider those less fortunate. Yes, the season of giving is upon us.

For more than 15 holiday seasons, the Gazette Charities Christmas Fund has raised thousands of dollars to meet the needs in our community.

Last year's fund drive raised more than $81,000, and we hope to meet or exceed that goal this year.

Donations come from our generous readers and our friends in the community.

This year, donations will help support the efforts of the Children's Home Society, Covenant House, Daymark, the Gabriel Project of West Virginia, Heart & Hand, Jericho House, Manna Meal, Mountain Mission, the Salvation Army and the Union Mission.

These 10 help organizations are counting on the Gazette and we're counting on you to again make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

Starting Monday, the Gazette will present stories of need supplied by these 10 organizations. You will read about single mothers and fathers trying to make ends meet, local residents struggling with medical bills and others who are scrimping to save to meet their children's basic needs.

It is our hope that these stories help illustrate the very real need that exists in our community and show exactly where you donation can be put to good use.

Won't you consider a donation? No amount is too small.

The Gazette covers all administrative costs of the fund. Every penny of every donation goes to help further the vital work of these 10 organizations.

To make a donation, look for the donation coupon with this article. To give online, go to wvgazette.com and click on the Christmas Fund logo.