Reach out and touch …

It’s that time again when the good folks among us start thinking a little more about what they can do to help the less fortunate.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, then Christmas, Hannukah and whatever you might celebrate in the last couple of months of the year.

These days, your charitable mindset might typically involve giving someone a helping hand by simply writing a check or plopping some coins in a bucket or jar.

While that’s okay, a more hands-on approach is likely a whole lot better.

You are the best currency when it comes to easing the burden of another.

It could be something as simple as a hug or a smile, though there are plenty more ways to lift someone else’s spirits.

Maybe it’s as easy as, say, helping with a flat tire or mowing that neighbor’s lawn because you know he or she isn’t feeling all that well.

No matter the chore – and no matter your own abilities – there are things we can do to make life better for those around us if we just look.

And in this ridiculously inflationary time, a simple helping hand won’t cost you a nickel and will make both you and the subject of your effort feel like there really are people who care about each other.

Hold out your hand for that lady struggling to climb out of a car, then look at her face when you help her. That’s your reward, my friend.

Or as you watch that stranger trying to cross the street, it dawns on you that all they need is just an extra pair of eyes to negotiate traffic.

Sure, there are organizations that make it their lot in life to do everything they can to help folks.

The Shriners come to mind with all they do for kids, perhaps the Salvation Army or any of those myriad organizations that do what they can for victims of everything from autism to arthritis to Alzheimers or any one of the scores of afflictions that plague our society, and that’s a good – no, that’s a great thing.

We’re talking individuals here, ordinary citizens of every age or race or ability who might be able to do something for somebody, no matter how big or small, to not only facilitate the needs of others but let that person you’re reaching out because, you know, you care.

And understand that there’s a difference between simple charity and just wanting to help.

You’re not lifting that bag or opening that door because you feel sorry for its owner, you’re doing it because they obviously could use a little assistance and, what the heck, you are standing right there.

We live in a society that is blessed with millions of people willing to go an extra mile to simply do what they can to make this ol’ world a better place.

Look at the thousands who turn out for those 5K charity runs or the neighborhood bake sale or that roadside cleanup campaign.

If you’re not a part of one of those groups, that’s okay. One-on-one is the building block of all good intentions.

Most importantly, you’ll learn in an instant that your effort has done as much good for you as for the recipient of your kindness. It’s a kind of therapy, if you will.

And it doesn’t cost a dime.

To borrow a popular phrase, just do it.

Then you’ll see what I’m talking about.