The front page of Friday's Great Bend Tribune reminds us: Five shopping days to Christmas. Shop! Buy! Wrap! Mail! Cook and clean and set out the cookies and milk for Santa! Anticipation builds until the perfect holiday event in our imaginations grows to become something impossible to attain.

But on Thursday, the folks at the Golden Belt Community Foundation reminded us that, sometimes, it is better to give than to receive. They recognized the many gifts for many causes and organizations that were delivered during the Giving Tuesday campaign. Then they gave back over $16,000 in matching funds and other grants to local charities and named the Most Generous City for 2019.

This time of year, we often encourage people to “shop local,” but it is also important to “give local.” That’s because money donated locally directly affects our community.

The GBCF website, goldenbelt.cf.org, includes a wish list for a number of groups. There are too many to list here. A few examples: Central Kansas Christian Academy needs $705 to upgrade classroom doorknobs with industrial-grade security door handles; the Family Crisis Center needs $240 to buy four children’s chairs and three bean bags; and Barton County Emergency Aid will accept any donation to provide clients with rent and utility assistance. There are scholarships, including a scholarship opportunity that awards funding to graduates who move back to the Golden Belt area.

There are other places to give locally. Money donated to United Way of Central Kansas supports a variety of community partners. People of all ages benefit from their efforts. Their website, uwck.org, provides more information.

Finally, there are more ways to give than financially. Anyone interested in opportunities to volunteer can check out RSVP & Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas at 1025 Main #D in Great Bend or call 620-792-1614.

There are opportunities throughout the year to give, but the Christmas season is a good time to be reminded. Don’t forget the milk and cookies on Christmas Eve.