OK, you have moved on to turkey sandwiches and then the turkey soup. Maybe you are exhausted from Black Friday. It is likely that the last couple of days have been about celebrating Thanksgiving and getting an early start on Christmas with a focus on your family and friends. But, what about those who won't have as bright a Christmas or, more likely, New Year?

In this time where gobs of money are spent on food and gifts, it wouldn't hurt to stop for a moment and do more than think about helping out those in need.

With just a week left in this year's United Way campaign, there is still time to participate in their campaign, themed Making a Difference is #- What Matters. The Cayuga County United Way has been lucky this year to have Tom and Jeanie Lewis as its campaign co-chairs. They have been willing to share the story of losing their son Christian and how instead of just grieving they wanted to thank everyone who had a role in helping their son live life to the fullest.

The Lewises have done yeoman's work in getting the word out and connecting the United Way with groups that have never had the not-for-profit in their offices to solicit employees. But while getting the word out is important, just as vital is getting people to give.

You can play a role today. Drag out that likely overused checkbook and give what you can to the United Way of Cayuga County at 17 East Genesee St. in Auburn.

You may never have to use an agency that is part of the United Way family, but it is more than likely a friend or a relative will. The 21 agencies that make up the Cayuga County United Way are part of the social fabric that holds this county together every year. During this small window that is the annual campaign - you can make that difference.

While you have that checkbook out you should also write a check to Warm the Children, a program that has been clothing children in our community for the last eight years. Not a penny raised, by sending a check to this paper at 25 Dill St., goes to administration. It all goes directly to buy coats, hats, gloves, boots and undergarments for children in need.

Since its start in 1999, this program has clothed 1,500 children. This year's goal is to serve 250 children, which still leaves 400 in need. You can make a difference in keeping a child healthy this winter by just writing a check to Warm The Children.

In the end you will not only feel that you have made a difference, but you will have.

Cosentino is a former mayor of Auburn and can be contacted at cozguytho@aol.com