This season, help those in need

Welcome to the holiday season, the season of light, the season of goodwill.

The season of giving.

At this time of year, especially, we think about the hungry and the homeless, though we have only a vague idea of who they are. We paint pictures of them in our minds, but according to those who work with the needy, those pictures are usually wrong.

Both Island Harvest and Feeding America, a national hunger-relief organization, estimate that more than 316,000 Long Islanders face the risk of hunger daily. They are often hard-working adults — as well as children, seniors and veterans — who cannot always make ends meet and are often forced to go without food. The man who works at your neighborhood service station may be hungry, even as he feeds your gas tank.

According to the Red Cross website, the organization serves more than 2.8 million Long Islanders, many of whom may face emergencies and disasters. The plumber who fixed your leaky bathroom faucet may not have a home of his own because his flooded in a severe rainstorm.

These are the people that these agencies, and so many others, seek to help day in and day out.

There are all kinds of ways to help those in need — almost as many ways as there are needs. National philanthropic organizations, regional charities and local houses of worship — and their employees and volunteers — are there to help us help others.

No charity will turn down financial assistance, but for those looking to make a more personal connection, to do more than just write a check, there are a variety of opportunities. Consider the Red Cross, which this season is looking for blood donations. Traditionally, fewer people give blood during the holiday season, when hectic schedules, travel and unpredictable weather can affect collection efforts. But maintaining reserve blood supplies is crucial, as the Red Cross helps patients in hospitals and clinics nationwide — patients with acute or chronic illnesses as well as victims of accidents or disasters.

Keep in mind that donated blood is perishable. So if you donated a few months ago, that blood most likely helped someone immediately or not long afterward, and it’s time to donate again.