The holidays are here for us to gain inspiration from our neighbors — people we know and respect who strive to make the holidays and life throughout the year better for those around us.

Powell Council for Community Services will give away around 125 Christmas baskets to the less fortunate on Dec. 23. The money to buy the baskets stocked with a traditional Christmas dinner and toys for children is derived from donations. So are the Council’s year-round efforts to help those struggling to pay for a utility bill, tank of gas, etc.

The 16th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thanksgiving Day, at the new multi-use exhibit hall at the Park County Fairgrounds in Powell. It’s free to anyone, but donations are accepted and earmarked for the Christmas Basket Program and Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, the local food pantry that helps feed the poor.

The Thanksgiving dinner is hometown fellowship at its best as friends and loved ones break bread and share laughter.

The Empty Bowls dinner at The Commons Nov. 17, with toothsome soup ladled into bowls crafted by Northwest College students, raised $5,000 for Loaves and Fishes.

Wyoming Disabled Hunters, Inc. assisted 32 physically impaired hunters bag elk, deer and pronghorn this fall. It’s a nonprofit organization with the compassionate goal of taking people hunting, who under normal circumstances could not.

Though the holidays are designated as a time of great joy almost to the point of coercion, they can be if you allow the spirit of the season into your heart. Remember your elderly neighbor who lost their spouse. Have them over for turkey and all the trimmings or to watch your kids open presents on Christmas Day. Love is free; it doesn’t cost a dime, but it does necessitate a generous heart and often an investment in time. Volunteer, write a check to a local charity or take the office Scrooge to lunch. He/she may have valid reasons for being so prickly around Christmas.

Helping others is good for the soul. Donate or volunteer and bask in the glow from inside for giving the most priceless gift of all, kindness.

Still giving gifts to those we cherish is an appropriate expression of love.

Black Friday is kicking off the Christmas present shopping season. Be sure to buy local, because local businesses and their customers are what support Powell during the holidays and throughout the year.

The Thanksgiving dinner might need a hand in the kitchen or serving line. Take the time to help. Give them a call at 754-3639.

Sally Montoya, who has been running the Christmas Basket program for decades, might need help. She certainly needs clothing and toys. Call her at 754-4277.

Or, mail a check to Powell Council for Community Services, P.O. Box 794, Powell, WY 82435.

The U.S. Marines Corps’ Toys for Tots program also needs donated toys. Call them at 307-213-0305.