If ever you lose faith in the spirit of the community where you live, take a moment to think of the charitable organizations, church missions and foundations operating within it.

As for Suffolk, the true giving spirit of the community has once again been well documented through countless stories of donations, contributions and successful fundraisers. One such case is the annual Cheer Fund, of which the Suffolk News-Herald is so proud to be a part.

Locally, the Cheer Fund raised more than $36,000 last year to support Suffolk’s Toys for Tots campaign. With this money, the organization was able to purchase toys for more than 3,300 children last year.

Although it is likely the annual campaign will fall short of its $45,000 goal, the donations and support have been tremendous and humbling. Even in these tough economic times, individuals, companies and civic organizations alike have continued to contribute.

The donations – both large and small, those in memory of a loved one or just given out in the holiday spirit — have joined together to reach an impressive total once again. But there is still time to donate.

Through the remainder of the campaign, we will publish within the pages of the News-Herald a running list of those who have donated. We want to thank them and honor their commitment to this program.

Donations are still welcome, and the needs this program meets are still there.

We have written many stories during the past two years about the growing need for aid among our neighbors and the tremendous effort put forth by charitable organizations to simply make ends meet and address the needs of as many as they can. It is a challenge these organizations cannot — and must not — face alone.

Meeting the needs of our friends and neighbors is a community mission, and we are proud to play a role in that mission.

If you would like to make a donation to the Cheer Fund, call 539-3437 or simply mail the donation to the Suffolk News-Herald, Attn: Cheer Fund, 130 S. Saratoga Street, Suffolk, VA.