Oftentimes when we donate money, we never see the end result.

Thankfully, Vicksburg has a good number of nonprofits locally who graciously accept our dollars and pour them back into the community.

In the coming weeks, we will be able to see the United Way and the Salvation Army as they take care of those affected by the 2016 flood.

They will ensure those individuals have food, shelter and whatever they may need during the time of rebuilding.

Though many of us will be largely unaffected by the flood, some may suffer severe damage to their homes, and lest we forget the man who lost his life in 2011.

The Mighty Mississippi is nothing to play around with.

Those who will be using the services these nonprofits provide will be thankful for the community’s gifts, as are we. We’re thankful for these organizations, and we’re thankful for the donors who support them throughout the year.

We, working in the news industry, often get to see the good works these organizations do year round, but for the average person, it may take an event such as a flood to open up their eyes to how much these people do for our community.

So, readers, we’re calling on you take note of what charitable organizations in the community do for others.

Sure, it may not be you and your family this time, but at some point it most certainly could be.

While your family is fed and while they have roofs over their heads, let’s all do our part in making sure others have the same.

It doesn’t have to be the United Way or the Salvation Army, and in fact, there are a number of other organizations helping individuals in a number of other ways throughout the community.

Grace Christian Counseling, the Vicksburg YMCA and Good Shepherd Community Center are just a few of the other groups in our community making lives better for others.

So ask yourself, could you spare a few bucks? Maybe a $20?

You’ll feel better, and it will make a world of a difference to those you’ve lent a helping hand.