Across Sampson County, there are children in need.

Impoverished, likely in single-parent households if not in parentless ones, often hungry and generally without the comforts most of us take for granted each day, these youngsters won’t find the joy in Christmas that so many will.

They won’t find presents under the Christmas tree and, it’s likely they won’t even have a tree. There’ll be no lights, no decorations and no visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.

It may seem difficult to believe; it likely isn’t the picture you’d like to have in your mind during the holiday season, but there’s no question it is the reality for many little ones right in our own communities.

And chances are their Christmas will be anything but jolly. Unless, that is, we look within our own hearts and help.

There are numerous ways to brighten the eyes of needy children this Christmas, starting with adopting a family or a youngster and providing gifts, food and clothing through any number of agencies.

The Sampson County Crisis Center helps hundreds of families each Christmas, thanks to donations from local individuals; as do U Care, which usually houses dozens of victimized families; the Clinton Recreation, which has a Toys for Tots program; and the Department of Social Services’ Cheer Fund, which also assists hundreds of needy families, children and elderly in our county.

Not all the agencies actually solicit help from the community each Christmas; some are actually funded through the United Way. But whether there are solicitation efforts or not, there is a need that should be met. We can only pray it will be.

Some local businesses, some schools and a number of churches will have angel trees where good Samaritans can choose a name, complete with sizes and a wish list, and fill as many of the needs as possible.

There will be other opportunities to help as well. Through churches and the dozens of civic groups both in Clinton and in other small towns throughout Sampson County, there will be other efforts under way.

Look for a way to help. Consider giving to those who have so little.

The Bible speaks to this, saying: To those much is given much is expected. That can never be truer than during the Christmas season. And, while brightly-wrapped gifts aren’t all that’s important during this special time of the year, imagine what it would be like for a child to find nothing waiting for them on Christmas morning.

Imagine, if you will, how your own child would feel. And then open your heart and your wallet and make a difference in the life of a child.

It will be the very best Christmas present you can give yourself.