Tis the season to think of others Published Dec. 10, 2015 By Capt. Jeffery Kelly 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs Chief WHITEMAN AFB, Missouri -- The holiday season is the time of year when most of our traditions focus on being thankful for our families, friends, neighbors and possessions. For a lot of us, this season will be filled with laughter, sharing and giving. But for many others, there is not much to celebrate. There are families who cannot put a hot meal on the table for their children each day, and in Missouri one in five children goes to school hungry daily. There are seniors who have to choose between food and filling a prescription. For some of our neighbors, this holiday season will not be one of joy and laughter, but instead one of growing sadness. And, their challenges just won't go away without help. This holiday season, reflect on what you can do to help those less fortunate. Keep in mind that helping others does not necessarily mean giving your money. So what can you do to help others while safeguarding your own family's financial well-being? Here are a few ideas to stretch your charitable contributions: Donate your time. Charities always gladly accept cash, but many run on shoestring budgets with minimal staff, so your time and expertise may be just as valuable. Numerous organizations can connect you with a local charity that suits your interests. There are many valuable items that you probably already have at home that you can pass along to a charity. You can clean out your closets and donate unneeded clothes, appliances, furniture and other items to charitable non-profit organizations. Many organizations accept donated frequent flyer miles. One great program, the Make a Wish Foundation, estimates it needs over 2.5 billion miles a year to fulfill the travel needs of the sick children they help. Check airline websites for links to organizations that accept their miles. Local food pantries and homeless shelters always need food contributions, especially around the holidays. Many will also accept and distribute toiletry items and cold weather clothing. And although you can't take a federal income tax deduction for your time, you can deduct mileage and certain expenses related to your volunteer activities for IRS-qualified, tax-exempt organizations when you file your yearly taxes. One last suggestion that won't cost a dime: Donate blood. I can't think of any better way to literally save lives. I heard someone say once, "What we spend is lost, but what we give remains with us forever." Give something to someone in need this year and I bet you'll agree with that statement.