The charitable season is upon us. With Christmas fast approaching, we are solicited for donations just about everywhere we turn — on TV, outside stores, in the pages of the newspaper.

This is the season when charities can do the most good. But it takes a relentless pursuit of money to fund those good deeds. Every non-profit seeking your dollar is not created equally, however. Some use donations to pay administrative salaries while others send all donations directly to those in need.

When it comes to local giving, there are plenty of opportunities but there’s one in particular we can vouch for. The annual Holiday Food Pantry Drive, a joint effort between Bank of Brookhaven and The Daily Leader, is in its 13th year.

The money raised goes directly to five local organizations that help local individuals.

Donors have the option of donating in honor or memory of someone, anonymously, as a business or as an individual. A grand total of donations will be printed in each issue. The drive will end Dec. 16.

Donations will be accepted at both The Daily Leader and Bank of Brookhaven. Checks can be made out to Holiday Food Pantry. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602. They’ll also be accepted at the newspaper office front desk.

Contributions to the Holiday Food Pantry also can be mailed to the bank, given to bank cashiers or donate through the drive-through windows.

As you consider who you can help this holiday season, don’t forget local groups helping people right here in Lincoln County.