There are helpful hands at work all year long, but it’s when the holidays approach that local giving ramps up.

We were excited to see schools, organizations, churches and groups help to ensure that as many meals as possible are provided for those in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

The Daily News on Tuesday reported on one such venture – by the Warren County Public Schools system. WCPS is seeking food donations from the public – mainly frozen turkeys but including chicken – for families within the school district.

Donations can be made at the WCPS Central Office at 303 Lovers Lane from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays until Nov. 20.

“Our goal is to make sure that all of our Thanksgiving food boxes for our families all across the district are filled with a turkey,” said Ben Kirtley, the WCPS director of family resource and youth services. Now, we’ll get some chickens and things like that, too, but we’re just trying to make sure that everybody has a chance to have Thanksgiving.”

Distribution of the food to schools will begin Nov. 21. They can be picked up, but coordinators will work with those who need the donations delivered.

Community organizations are pitching in. The nonprofit House on the Hill is partnering with others to pack some 600 boxes for area schools. Tyson Foods is supplying chickens, Kirtley said.

The Bowling Green Independent School District, while not working this year on a food drive, is gathering donations from groups such as Stuff the Bus and local churches, according to BGISD’s Director of Communications Leslie McCoy.

These are just a few examples of many in the Bowling Green and Warren County area.

Families no doubt will be thankful for the support and care. Students learn more about helping those in need, and the community will continue to see and participate in the act of caring for others.

We encourage those who are able to donate food, time and money to support those who otherwise might not have a celebratory meal.

Our city and county are inspiring in their works. For that, we are grateful.