In the last week, we have had the pleasure to cover a wide number of stories related to businesses, individuals and city officials giving of their time, talent and resources to those less fortunate during the Christmas season.

The outpouring of compassion and attention to those less fortunate from a tight-knit community has been a joy to watch come to life.

The City of West Point approved a $19.5 million budget for 2019 during its Monday night city council meeting. The council meeting was quick, as they generally are in West Point, and the 2019 budget was approved with little fanfare. But before the meeting adjourned, Councilwoman Sandra Thornton took a moment to thank city employees for their involvement in the recent Salvation Army Angel Tree effort.

Elsewhere in the county, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia  held its most successful drive in collecting Christmas donations for Toys for Tots, which were donated to the U.S. Marine Corps League of LaGrange to provide to children throughout the county.

In downtown LaGrange, local businesses have donated alongside KMMG to Toys for Tots as well, including Kids Zone Dentistry, who donated $500 to the organization Wednesday morning.

Donations to Toys for Tots has been a common theme this year, as this was the charity of choice during the LaGrange Christmas parade.

This is a small sample size of businesses and individuals who have given to those less fortunate this holiday season, helping us to remember the true reason for the season.

It is encouraging and invigorating to see so many in the community give so freely of their time and talent.