One of the best gifts that you could give yourself this Christmas season is to help someone in need.

Who should you help? What need should you meet? That's up to you.

We all have family members, friends, and acquaintances who could benefit from a gift of generosity or a kind act—large or small.

If you want to take the extra step and help someone that you don't know but who might be in even greater need of a gift, there are plenty of opportunities.

A surprising number of people struggle with food insecurity—which means that they have trouble providing enough food to meet the healthy diet standards established by the USDA. Statistically, about one in ten people in Chester County struggle with food insecurity. The poor, the elderly, and children are among those who are most vulnerable to food insecurity.

Chester County is fortunate to have the Chester County Food Bank, which does a very good job of providing nutritious meals and meeting the needs of county residents. The Chester County Food Bank partners with organizations like the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center and the Kennett Area Community Service to help distribute food to local families.

The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center and Kennett Area Community Service both provide a wide range of services and support to people in need. A contribution to either at this time of the year can not only make the holidays brighter for families in need, it can make a difference for these families in the winter months.

Canned goods and non-perishable items, as well as diapers, personal care items, household cleaning supplies and paper products are always in need.

If you're able to help either of these organizations, it would be a real gift. Another way to help out is by letting people in need know about the services and help that is available.

Kennett Area Community Service

136 W Cedar St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348

610-925-3556

kacsonline.net

Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center

35 N 3rd St. Oxford, Pa. 19363

610-932-8557

oxfordnsc.org

Another good way to help people in need is by making a donation to the United Way of Southern Chester County, which supports dozens of different nonprofit organizations in the area.

United Way of Southern Chester County

106 W. State Street

Kennett Square, Pa. 19348

610-444-4357

unitedwayscc.org

There are also dozens of churches and worthwhile nonprofit organizations in southern Chester County. If you can, help out someone in need. You'll be giving yourself a gift in the process.