Suddenly, we become friendlier, more compassionate and caring. In a burst of benevolence we shower gifts and attention on family, friends, and even those who we do not know: the poor and lonely, the elderly and sick, orphaned children and homeless adults.

Giving makes us feel good -- just as those who receive our benevolence also feel good. For a brief period of the year we share the common bond of goodwill to all men.

Then, most of us go back to our normal lives, while the less fortunate go on being poor, sick, lonely, elderly and homeless.

We resume speaking of our own wants and needs, and focus anew on a host of contentious issues: racism, the government, strikes and human rights among them. For too many brotherly love is a seasonal thing.

But not for all. Woven into the fabric of our society are thousands of caring hearts and hands who, without fanfare, work ceaselessly and freely to help those in distress.

These people come from all walks of life, and represent many nationalities, races, ethnic and age groups.

What unites them is a sense of compassion and an almost unbounded willingness to give.

Throughout the year, Community has been privileged to meet so many of these dedicated heroes and heroines and share their stories with you.

We never cease to be amazed at the breadth of their concern for others, or the lengths to which they will go in the interests of their cause.

We think of those like the octogenarian who, in all winds and weathers, helps deliver meals to shut-ins; the little children who made and sold Christmas ornaments to raise money for handicapped children; the man who, through his youth group, is struggling to provide a more positive outlet for potentially troubled youths; and the woman who regularly makes and sells jams and jellies for charity.

And then there are the men and women who, through the organisations to which they belong, raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit the hospitals, children's homes, and various residences for people with special needs.

We think of the dozens of volunteers who comfort the sick and dying, often when no-one else will; of the people who feed the homeless and give them shelter, and even those who feed and neuter feral felines at their own expense.

We remember, too, the many members of service organisations who work ceaselessly, and often in highly imaginative ways, to raise funds in support of their work both here and overseas. They flip pancakes, pop popcorn, spin sugar, host opera nights and open air concerts -- all in the name of charity.

Vital, too, are those who give of themselves so that others might live: the blood and organ donors.

Of course, much of the good work accomplished in this community could not be done without money. In these financially straitened times, charities are feeling the pinch. Yet, the faith of those charged with raising funds never flags, and the ways in which they succeed are as imaginative as they are infinite.

Bake sales, auctions, gala evenings, bingo nights, tag days, barbecues and balls are just some of the concepts -- and of course it takes a great deal of time, planning, and hard work to make each one a success.

That there are so many successes is as much a tribute to the volunteers' ingenuity as it is to the great Bermuda public who, despite their own financial problems, are always willing to donate, however modestly, to each appeal.

The cash donation of $5 is just as valid as the cheque for $10,000. What matters is that each individual or group has done their best to help.

In what has been a troubled year throughout the world, Bermuda and its people have much to be thankful for, including its service organisations, volunteers and fund-raisers.

Community takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them all. We wish them a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with special blessings.