Reflect on holidays you have had the opportunity to spend with your family and friends. Think about the great food that’s been on your table and the memorable moments you have been blessed to have. These are the Hallmark moments that card companies place on the pieces on paper about the holidays, but rarely the ones a materialistic society values.

For better or for worse, the most important parts of the holiday season to most people are often found wrapped up in festive paper under a tree full of ornaments and lights. When I think of the holiday festivities in sixth grade, I remember the special edition red iPod Nano that I unwrapped. Christmas in kindergarten is all about getting my first American Girl doll, not about what my family made for dessert. Memories are priceless, but many revolve around gifts.

Most kids are raised to believe in a man dressed in a red suit that slides down the chimney, who magically gives presents to every kid in the world in one night. But what happens to the kids who belong to families experiencing hardships? Does Santa not love them as much just because their parents are out of work? Of course he does. It isn’t fair that these children have to wake up to empty space on the carpet, free of gifts, while many of their friends will be elated over receiving the new Disney DVD or trendy clothes.

Usually, I just accept the way things are. If it doesn’t affect me, it’s not my problem. Luckily, I’ve grown up in a family and a church that feel now, more than ever, it is necessary to help out less fortunate families and their children during the holidays.

It’s important to help out whenever possible, but both the season and the increase of economic problems our community face make the need for every type of donation urgent. According to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics from October 2011, unemployment rates in Hamilton County are close to 6.5 percent, part of a general upward trend since 2008. Indiana generally faces an unemployment rate almost 2 percent higher, nearly 8.5 percent.

It isn’t that difficult to get involved and give a deserving child a great present. And it’s something that should be done if you have some extra money to spare. Charities are easy to find; opportunities are everywhere. But, one of the most accessible ones is right here at school. Each year, starting in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Senate sponsors Care to Share, which provides children with toys and gifts that they need or want. It’s easy for students to help, because some SRTs choose to sign up and sponsor a child. An easy way to participate is to bring in money, even if it is only a nickel or the dollar bill crumpled up in the bottom of your backpack or whatever you usually spend on weekend entertainment.

Even if donating money isn’t a financial possibility, you can help by collecting it each day in SRT. If you’re not good at basic math used in adding up funds, then help by shopping for the gifts. Find some good deals at Target after the Black Friday madness, and buy what little Johnny or Emily wanted from Santa this year. Or, take it upon yourself to head up the wrapping committee.

While it might take some effort to make a little kid’s holiday better, it is worth it. The feeling you get after helping is well worth your time, money or creativity. You won’t get a thank you note; you won’t even get a thanks. But you can walk away knowing that you made a kid smile who normally wouldn’t. If nothing else, you’ve provided him or her with entertainment and new clothes that fit. You’ve helped out their parents, who were concerned that their family wouldn’t get a nice holiday. And if you won’t do it to help out someone else, do it to get your karma back in check.