This year has been one of the more challenging seasons of giving for those whose mission it is to raise funds to help the needy.

The Citizen's Warm The Children program is no exception.

Warm The Children is designed to provide new winter clothing to the neediest of children in the community. The program is administered through The Citizen, therefore there are no overhead costs. All the money raised goes straight to the children.

At least a half-dozen times, beginning in October, The Citizen's Warm The Children volunteers go to JC Penney with the families, who have been carefully screened and selected by local social service agencies.

Each child is allowed to spend up to $80 on clothing for the cold winters: coats, hats, gloves, boots, winter undergarments, etc. With such an outstanding partner as JC Penney - which does all that it can to provide the absolute lowest price possible for these families - you'd be amazed at how much $80 can buy.

This year, Warm The Children has helped 230 children in our community. But that is down from the 250 children who were assisted last year. And unlike last year, when a surplus was carried over to this year's fund, the Warm The Children fund has been exhausted and cannot help any more families this winter.

There are a lot of terrific agencies and seasonal programs that will be asking for your help this winter. Your donations to many of them - including Warm The Children - never leave the community they serve.

We would ask that, as you are out shopping this Christmas season, you would consider setting aside just a little bit to help provide warm clothes this winter for a needy child in our community.