As I was driving around the other morning, I was listening to an interview on the radio where the director of a charitable organization said they receive nearly 75 percent of their annual donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

He reasoned the donations came from everyone being in the giving, Christmas spirit and that the rest of the year, they have to closely manage their programs to ensure they “stay in the black.”

That statement got me wondering; just why do we feel so charitable this time of year?

Could it be we are all trying to improve our tax status by squeezing in tax-deductible donations before Dec. 31? That’s possible. In a time of questionable governmental spending, it’s kind of nice to know some of your tax money — whether it’s paid to the government or to a charity — is being put to good use.

Or, is the fact it’s the big guy’s — Jesus’ — birthday and when the boss is having a party, you want to be on your best behavior?

But whatever the reason, the real question is why are we not as charitable during the rest of the year?

Does the Salvation Army have a bell ringing campaign in March and April? What about food drives to support the area food bank?

The answer, in many cases, is no.

In taking advantage of a relatively warm evening Saturday, I joined some friends in walking to a local restaurant for dinner. As we left, we were approached by a young man asking for money to get something to eat.

In a time where most of us use credit or debit cards to pay with just about everything, cash or change is a rarity. But, I had a few dollars and gave it to him.

In response, he looked at me and graciously said “thank you.” I responded back with the appropriate “you’re welcome.” It was what he said next that touched me more than anything. The young man said, “God bless you.” I said the same thing in return.

If a man down on his luck, as this man obviously was, can offer a blessing in his most desperate of times for a few dollars, then why can’t I do that when I am lucky to have a job, a home and friends?

The holidays are a time when we feel extremely charitable, giving and blessed. But, what Saturday evening showed me is the need in our community knows no season, no holiday. It is something that is there every single day and deserves our attention every single day.