According to a recent study by SmartAsset, Chester County ranked number one in the state of Pennsylvania when it comes to making charitable donations. This study measured how much people donate as a percentage of their net income and the proportion of people in a given county who make charitable donations.

Readers of this newspaper won’t be surprised by the results of the study—we report all the time about the many different ways that individuals and businesses in the community are supportive of those in need.

In this issue, for example, students from Unionville High School and Kennett High School teamed up to help out the Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), one of the many organizations in the area that are in the business of helping others. The Oxford Police Department once again collected toys for local families. Of course, the charitable giving doesn’t take place just during the holidays. There are a number of southern Chester County events, including the Mushroom Festival and the Kennett Run, that raise funds for nonprofit organizations.

Christmas is a time of giving. Helping others benefits more than just the recipient. It is very rewarding to be a giver, and there have been studies that have concluded that there are numerous benefits of giving. If you’re looking for a way to spread a little holiday cheer, a good way to do that is to help out your neighbors in need. Here’s a few ways to help out, if you can:

Make a contribution to KACS. Donations can be made to the Kennett Food Cupboard or the KACS Emergency Assistance Programs. These programs include case management, referral services and financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other needs. The KACS staff can also help people resolve their housing situation through homelessness prevention efforts and rapid re-housing services.

Donations can be made to: Kennett Area Community Service, 136 W. Cedar St., Kennett Square, PA 19348 and P.O. Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center is a valuable resource for people to turn during a time of need. Contributions can be sent to the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center, 35 N. 3rd St., Oxford, Pa. 19363. The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center provides many of the same kinds of assistance as KACS.

Family Promise of Southern Chester County is another local organization that helps families in need—specifically, families that are facing homelessness. More information about making a contribution to Family Promise of Southern Chester County is available at www.familypromisescc.org.

Another good way to provide help to those who need it most is to make a donation to the United Way of Southern Chester County at 106 West State St. Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 or make the donation online at www.unitedwayscc.org. That one donation will allow the United Way of Southern Chester County to support dozens of local nonprofit organizations that serve the community, particularly those who find themselves in a moment of need.

Chester County residents should be proud of their charitable giving—it’s one of the things that makes this community so special and vibrant. It’s an honor to have the privilege of covering this area.

We would like to wish the readers of the Chester County Press, our family of magazines, and our online news resources, a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year.