No Grinches Need Apply

Christmas is the most magical time of year for some, but for many it is a mixed blessing. During the holiday season, the weather gets colder, the sun sets earlier and the streets get clogged with motorists making the long journey home.

If the world outside your car window looks bleaker than usual, you may have gotten a case of the holiday blues. However, you’re not powerless to turn those feelings around. While expensive decorations pile up at the mall, you can cut to the true heart of the season by lending a hand to one of Orange County’s many charities.

This month, you can spread goodwill by helping the homeless, abused and orphaned children, victims of domestic violence, the mentally challenged and many others. Even small offerings count.

Such opportunities are not hard to find. Here’s a list of charities taking donations and seeking volunteer help in the final month of 2000.