Christmas is here again and everyone will be asked to share something with his or her fellowmen.

Wednesday's Gleaner carried the story of some young people in inner-city communities who wished for seemingly small items that would make their celebrations happier.

One wanted a pair of shoes to go to the park and have his picture taken. Another a simple toy truck . Two wanted repairs for their houses so their mothers could be happy, and another wanted the money to pay his school fee, so he could return to school.

In Thursday's paper, a follow-up story reported that their dreams could come true as some who read the article intended to give the items to the needy youth.

Christmas is the traditional time to give, but this selfless giving ought to be year round. If we were giving to those in need around us throughout the year, the young man mentioned in the article would not have missed part of a school term because his fee had not been paid. The little boy who had no shoes would have received a pair already.

How many of us who are blessed with more than we need give something away to those in need. The needy person who wants your help could be your neighbour or a homeless person you pass every day on your way to work.

What are you doing to make the lives of your fellowmen happier? Let us, as we look towards the coming of a new year, resolve to be kinder to our needy country men.