I am making a concerted effort to donate more money and useful items this year. I've been asking everyone in my office to bring in all their little travel shampoos and soaps for Wellspring. I've dropped off bags of food and household goods at River City Community Services. And Peter Keat (of Time Tested) turned me on to the SPCA Thrift Store in midtown, where I donate extra books and knicknack items. It's easy to do, and all of the charitable organizations around our region are being stretched thin. As the cold-weather season approaches, there will be even more need.