In our Dec. 29 paper, we ran a story on a donation from Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church to Shepherd's Supper, a United Way of Bryan County program that feeds the elderly in North Bryan.

We bring it up as one recent example of man helping his fellow man. There are dozens of similar examples that take place every day in our community.

Churches, businesses, private individuals and organizations, and those whose work is to help those who need it do what they can to help make Bryan County a better place.

All likely share one similarity — they can use your help.

Volunteers are needed in a number of areas, whether it's providing gifts for needy kids on the holidays, meals for the homebound or care for animals in local shelters. That's just scratching the surface. There are dozens of opportunities to chip in and help in and around our community.

They range from serving as an after school tutor to becoming a volunteer firefighter.

The truth is, we'd be a poorer community without folks who are willing to step up and help their fellow man.

If you're already a volunteer, you have our gratitude. Thank you. If you are interested in helping others but are uncertain how to get started, there are a number of ways to find out what needs to be done and how you can help.

You can call the United Way of Bryan County at 756-5333 in Richmond Hill or 653-5344 in Pembroke to find out how you can help. That's not your only option, either. Determine what you're interested in doing and how you can help, then go to those who can point you in the right direction. If you want to work with kids, get with the school system or recreation department to see what's needed.

If helping senior citizens is more up your alley, check with local senior centers to see what their needs are. Animal shelters, libraries, food pantries, recreation departments, scouting organizations, veterans groups — all likely can help find a use for your time, talent and desire to make Bryan County the best it can be in 2013.