Recent cold temperatures have motivated many Shelby Countians to prep their homes and offices for the holiday celebrations just around the corner.

But different, sadder memories are also being made here at home. Despite our reputation as a wealthy, giving county, there are those among us who need a hand this time of year, more so this year than any in recent history.

Many charities are also feeling the tough times this season as the economy creates a greater need for the work they do, while also drying up some donations.

Safehouse of Shelby County is one such charity. Workers seek to provide shelter and stability for abused women and children in a loving and supportive manner.

Donations are down as much as 50 percent for Safehouse’s Give the Gift of Christmas program this year, but the number of women and children in need of their help this year has nearly doubled.

The late Milton “Skillet” Bird also knew what hard times felt like, and he spent the better part of a century trying to make life a little brighter for his fellow man.

A fund Skillet helped create to buy gifts for needy children each Christmas, now known as the Skillet Bird Children’s fund, is still carried forward today by members of the Columbiana United Methodist Church Luther Fowler Sunday school class.

For more information on how you and your family can help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need, please consider giving donations or time to one of these worthy programs.

Skillet Bird Children’s fund

200 North Main Street, Columbiana, Alabama 35051

669-7164

SafeHouse Give the Gift of Christmas program

P.O. Box 620, Columbiana, AL 35051

669-1862. Donated gift cards should be no larger than $25.