Thanksgiving, as the name implies, truly is a time to give thanks for all we’ve been given and spend time with family — whether that’s our blood family or chosen family.

So many of us have so many blessings. Good health — if we don’t have that, it seems nothing else matters. A place to live and food to eat. A job to bring in an income, give our days purpose, help us connect to those around us and teach us new things. A faith community and family and friends, which can all provide a safety net to catch us if we fall.

Today, we are thankful for our readers and our community and for the opportunity to serve as your local newspaper. We hope all of our loyal readers are having a safe holiday and giving thanks on this day.

And as you’re counting your many blessings today and looking forward to the holidays of the month ahead, we hope you will think of this season as a time to give back to those who have less. The Suffolk News-Herald’s Cheer Fund is a great way to bring some joy on Christmas morning, and all you’re asked to do is part with some of your hard-earned money.

The Cheer Fund provides money for the Salvation Army to purchase toys to give to Suffolk families in need at Christmastime. Families sign up and are vetted ahead of time, and parents and guardians are able to visit the “toy store” the week before Christmas and choose the best gifts for their children.

The Cheer Fund has always been successful because of the faithful support of individuals and organizations throughout Suffolk. We rely on each of you to help us meet our goal each year. This year, that goal is $40,000 — and the Cheer Fund will help provide toys for thousands of Suffolk children by the time all is said and done.

To donate to the Cheer Fund, send a check to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439 or bring it to our office, 130 S. Saratoga St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We will list your donation in the newspaper, but it can be marked “anonymous” if you like. Donations may be made in honor of or in memory of someone. If you bring the check to our office, we’ll even take your picture as you hand it to one of our staff.

For more information on the Cheer Fund, call 934-9609.