The empty boxes and discarded, crumpled wrapping paper overflowing neighborhood garbage cans means one thing – Christmas is over.

For most folks, times are good. Stomachs are still filled with holiday treats. Neighborhood streets and driveways are filled with child-powered scooters – gifts from St. Nick.

As many residents prepare for this weekend’s New Year’s celebration, area volunteers are looking to the future as life goes on as usual.

All across the Miss-Lou, dozens of charities are counting the blessings they’ve received in recent weeks and months.

Typically, charities receive their biggest funding shot-in-the-arm around the holidays, but their need exists year-round.

As the Christmas lights slowly flicker out we hope the spirit of giving does not dim.

Charitable causes across the Miss-Lou need help from us all.

From Catholic Charities to the Stewpot to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, need exists in all facets of our community.

If you make one New Year’s resolution this year, vow to help out this year. Give your time, your money or whatever you can offer back to your community.

If we have a Christmas wish for next year, it would be that all of our local charities have a stress-free year – one in which they don’t have to worry month-to-month about funding.