As you read this, families are escaping the winter chill in emergency shelters. The jobless rate still hovers at 9 percent. Local governments are struggling to balance budgets. Businesses are struggling to hold on as consumers remain cautious with spending.

And yet, this holiday season, worried though we may be about savings and retirement accounts, and we can realize how fortunate we are.

Sure, times are tough. But they would be worse if not for the food banks and the nonprofits and the service clubs and the volunteers that provide a safety net in our communities.

As of Thursday, giving to ShareNet’s Neighbor Aid and the Poulsbo Lions Bellringer Fund exceed last year’s totals to date, testimony to the adage that if everyone gives a little it adds up to a lot.

Almost 200 families received Christmas food baskets this year thanks to the Poulsbo Lions Bellringer Fund, Gateway Fellowship and Poulsbo First Lutheran Church. There may be others.

This safety net meets real human needs on a daily basis. Like those public works crews at night in a storm, you might not see them working, but imagine what our lives would be like if they didn’t do what they do … if the United Way of Kitsap County didn’t help 36 organizations meet human needs in our communities … if our food banks didn’t make food available to a growing constituency … if businesses and neighborhoods didn’t have food drives … if volunteers didn’t open and staff emergency shelters … if seven North Kitsap churches didn’t provide free meals to help meet local needs and build community relationships … if the Peninsulas 2-1-1 call center didn’t connect thousands of people with health and human services … if service clubs didn’t do what they do to meet health and social needs in our communities.

Our point: In a society that for so long has put so much stock in acquiring, consuming and hoarding, perhaps it’s a good time to take stock of what we do have. And be thankful. Sure, times are tough. But it’s fair to say that, in North Kitsap, you can stumble and someone will be there to catch you. Ask for help, and help will come. You can’t buy that with your 401K.

Our communities are comprised of people of different faiths, but we all share one thing in common this season: Commitment to make tomorrow better.

Hanukkah was Wednesday. Christmas is Sunday. And so, we wish you a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.