As a practical matter, there is no lack of worthy charities and other entities to donate to during the Christmas holiday season.

Although we won’t attempt to list them here, we are confident readers are aware of what they are.

The program The Mining Journal maintains in conjunction with the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent dePaul Society is somewhat different than some of the others because of its very nature.

The annual Christmas Cheer Club collects new toys and clothing for distribution to area residents based on, among other things, income.

The gifts that end up in the newspaper’s downtown Marquette offices and at a series of dropoff sites in the area, are typically more expensive to purchase for individuals and families. That often means donating to the Cheer Club requires thought and planning for people who participate.

Journal staffers and representatives of the Salvation Army and St. Vincents are eternally grateful to the thousands of people who have gotten involved in the past and present.

You’ve always come through at Christmas for the folks who need it the most.

This year, it’s no different. Both charitable outlets will receive many gifts from the program for distribution. And on behalf of everyone involved in the Christmas Cheer Club, we’d like to thank area residents.

It’s because of you the Cheer Club works — year after year.