Some resilient leaves may still be clinging to the trees as autumn takes hold, but one local group is already looking ahead to the holiday season.

The Lawrence County Young Professionals are once again gearing up for its Secret Santa program, which provides warm clothing and toys for children in our county who otherwise may not have such a bright Christmas.

Thanks to the efforts of the LCYP, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of children over the past several years have been able to stay warm during the winter and have gifts under the tree — things that are all too easy for many of us to take for granted.

But those numbers couldn’t be realized each year without support from the community — either by adopting a child’s name and buying gifts, or by donating money.

This year, the LCYP has set a goal to help 500 needy children in Lawrence County and they need the community’s help to do it.

The group also hopes to provide food baskets for the children — an important new addition to this year’s project — to ensure children are fed during their holiday break from school.

We commend the LCYP for its annual charitable effort and we hope the community will continue to support them so children right here in Lawrence County can have a merry Christmas.

Donations can be made via PayPal on the LCYP Facebook page or from a mobile device or mailed to Secret Santa, P.O. Box 488, South Point, OH 45680. Make checks payable to LEDC Secret Santa.