It’s the time of year when you pull out the Christmas lights, plop a tree down somewhere in your house and start shopping. But what about those less fortunate for whom Christmas is just another day?

Our Valley has had a long tradition of helping our own. Let’s hope, as new residents come to our corner of the world, that tradition does not change but, in fact, gets stronger. There are many families, some with children, who are much less fortunate and need help. Our Valley has a very diverse population with all types of needs. Families who cannot feed their children; senior citizens who have to choose between taxes and eating, or taxes and heating; and the working poor who can barely make ends meet.

Two weeks ago we ran a story on local food banks. Each of the organizations listed below need donations to assure that our local families have a memorable holiday.

But in addition to food, basic necessities are needed by many families. Maybe a suggestion is to get a name of a family from one of the food banks and put together a holiday package for them. There are also numerous “Giving” trees located at various businesses throughout the Valley. Stop in, grab a child’s name and fulfill their wish.

If you need a place to drop off nonperishable food items or gifts, our offices are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8124 Falls Ave. in Snoqualmie.

Hopelink’s Sno-Valley food bank is located at 31957 E. Commercial St., Carnation; (425) 333-4163. It is available for residents of Duvall, Carnation, North Bend, Snoqualmie and Fall City areas. It is open the first and third Thursdays of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m., and the second and fourth Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45 p.m.

The Mount Si Helping Hand food bank, 316 East Third St., North Bend; (425) 888-0096, is open Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Preston Baptist Church food bank, 31104 S.E. 86th St., Preston; (425) 222-5573, is open on Thursdays between 11 a.m. and noon, except for Thanksgiving Day. On that day the church will host a free meal.

The Snoqualmie Tribe food bank, 4480 Tolt Avenue, Carnation, (425) 333-6560, is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is available to help anyone.

Let’s pull together and do what we can for our neighbors in need, now and throughout the year.