The issue: Some of our local charities are hurting.

Our position: It&8217;s time for us to dig deep and help them.

Last week The Times-Journal reported the Salvation Army had to close the doors of the thrift store to reorganize.

Because of slow dollar donations,the organization has had to let some workers go. And in the process, those who might have enjoyed thrift store prices, had to do without.

The YMCA has a laundry list of needs, but donations are short there, too.

Economic times are hard right now. The price of gas continues to rise, making getting to and from work each week a challenge.

Food prices have begun their rapid rise, as we find ourselves in a world with more mouths to feed than resources.

Fortunately, we live in a rural region, where people still have gardens, and the concept of a community garden is not foreign.

In essence, because of our location and our collective history, we in Selma and Dallas County will fare better than others outside our region.

Even here at home, some of our neighbors, for whatever reason, will face challenges or have needs they cannot meet. They need our help.

The best way we can reach out to those who need us is by giving to those who know how to help &8212; The Salvation Army, the YMCA, the United Way and others.

There are those of us who can afford to give .

We need to maintain our levels of giving in this time of hardship just as we do in good times.

People are depending on us.