Most families in Lycoming County and surrounding communities have an abundance of blessings — blessings that, we fear, we sometimes take for granted.

We are blessed by our loved ones and our livelihoods. We are blessed with the warmth and safety of our homes.

Some of our neighbors, tragically, do not share in these blessings. And, as the holiday season approaches, we believe we should reflect on those among us who try to help the unfortunate with the struggles, who provide them the shelter to stay safe.

The hard work done by the staff and volunteers of Saving Grace Shelter is vital to the region. We believe everyone in our communities and neighborhoods should appreciate their efforts and the efforts of the YWCA, Code Blue and other projects and initiatives to provide shelter to those least fortunate among us.

“This shelter began with a simple, powerful vision, that nobody in our community should have to face homelessness or hardship,” Ron Frick, CEO of the United Way, North Central Pennsylvania, said at a tour on which the Sun-Gazette reported in its Tuesday edition. “I think about the faces of the families who have walked through these doors. Parents who found refuge for their children. Individuals who have discovered a path forward toward independence and a dedicated team who has made the transformation possible right here in this building. Together they tell the story of what this community really stands for.”

We hope the men and women of our communities, in what is for many a time of joy and celebration, can offer assistance, whether volunteerism or a financial contribution, to the life-saving work done by Saving Grace Shelter and other shelters in Lycoming County.