We’ve got it pretty good.

If you are reading this with a roof over your head, shoes on your feet and change in your pocket, you’ve got it good.

While it’s great to know we’ve got it good, we should always be mindful of the countless people, especially those in our community, who aren’t so blessed.

Each year the cold temperatures and holiday messages remind the lucky that some are less fortunate, but this isn’t something that should capture our attention for only two months out of the year.

For the Salvation Army, the less fortunate are always in focus.

Throughout the year, the Salvation Army offers services to people all around the world who have a wide range of needs.

This month, the local chapter of the Salvation Army is asking for the public’s help with two annual programs; one will help local needy families celebrate Christmas, and the other will raise money to enable the organization to help people throughout the year.

Next Wednesday, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree will be standing in front of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tree will be covered with ornaments bearing the names of local children — whose families aren’t financially able to give them Christmas gifts — and suggestions of gifts for each child.

Members of the community are invited are invited to come out on Wednesday and take at least one ornament and then drop off the gifts they purchase at the Salvation Army’s office in Selma, located at 2104 Franklin St., before the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 13.

Major Steven Welch, said this year’s Angel Tree should benefit far more children and families than in years past.

“We’ve had more people sign up than we had last year,” Steve said. “As of Tuesday evening, we had 524 children’s names given to us. That’s an increase of around 15 percent.”

What’s more troubling is that 60 percent of the parents who applied to have their child included did not participate in years past.

I hope next Wednesday the Angel Tree is empty long before 6 p.m.

Just as important as the Angel Tree is the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, which kicks off Friday in front of Selma City Hall.

The money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign helps the Salvation Army during the holiday season and throughout the year.

The importance of this campaign cannot be overestimated and Welch said he hopes to see more people volunteer this year to ring the campaigns trademarked bells.

“The main thing for people to consider is this is a fun activity and it helps us help needy people at Christmas time,” Welch said. “Everyone could enjoy volunteering at one of our kettles. If someone as bashful as me can do it and enjoy it, I truly believe that everyone can.”

No matter you can chip in, whether it’s ringing a bell or picking a name from the Angel Tree, the Salvation Army could use your help.