Friday’s official lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Natchez signals the start of the holiday season in our community.

With all of the usual holiday trimmings, however, comes a more serious tone to the holidays.

Increased economic pressures have caused a significant source of holiday funding to dry up for many local charities.

Although most local non-profits depend mostly on funding provided for by members of our community, many such agencies also receive partial funding from other sources, including state and federal grants.

Many of those sources have significantly shrunk or evaporated altogether, meaning local charities will need even more help from all of us this holiday season.

Beginning today, our newspaper will take our annual look at local charities and their needs. “Season of Wishes” will feature a diverse group of agencies in need.

We hope in the days and weeks ahead that you’ll read the Season of Wishes features carefully and find a worthy cause that is near and dear to your heart.

No gift is too small. Pennies turn to dollars quickly and it’s amazing what some local groups can do, even with just a few pennies.

We hope that your holiday season is a good one, and we know that it will be made even brighter if you can find a way to give to others, showing the true spirit of Christmas.