Almost 100 years ago, an editorial appeared on the front page of The News and Courier (a forerunner of this newspaper) urging readers to consider a monetary donation to help 20 of Charleston's most needy people.

The headline hoped to reach those "who wish to impart a note of joy to dispel the greyness." Much has changed during the ensuing 97 years, but a fundamental truth of the holiday season -- the notion that it's better to give than to receive -- has not.

So we urge all of you who haven't already to consider supporting our Good Cheer Fund and celebrate the upcoming holidays with the added satisfaction of knowing that you helped make them a little bit better for others. As a bonus, you'll also become part of a Charleston tradition that has raised more than $11 million and spent every penny of it on those most in need.

It was in 1927 that Thomas Lesesne, managing editor of The News and Courier, launched the annual charitable drive. At the time, a Broad Street bank handled the money, donors (those "who wish to make Santa Claus a happy memory") got their names printed in the newspapers, and recipients were selected by local charities. A few things have evolved since then: The Good Cheer Club evolved into the Good Cheer Fund, and the mix of charities involved gradually changed over time. And of course, when the 21st century arrived, the fund got its own website: goodcheerfund.com.

This year, the new charity the fund supports is Operation Home, a nonprofit based in North Charleston that helps low-income families remain in their homes by making their homes more accessible and safe. The eight other charities the fund supports are the Association for the Blind, Carolina Youth Development Center, Catholic Charities, East Cooper Community Outreach, the Lowcountry Food Bank, One80 Place, Salvation Army and Star Gospel Mission.

Last year, the Good Cheer Fund raised $447,517.36, not including the cookbooks donated to a high school senior whose family is helped by Carolina Youth Development Center and who had a dream of starting a culinary business. That's more than 10 times what Mr. Lesesne and this newspaper's readers were able to raise in 1927 -- even after adjusting for inflation. That's certainly a sign of Charleston's growth and prosperity, but we think more than that is at work here: The Good Cheer Fund is more established and trusted than ever, with a proven track record.

This year poses a special challenge because there are fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the fund's traditional window for giving; still, the needs are the same, and in some cases growing. Donations received on or before Dec. 23 will be published on Christmas. Those received by Dec. 27 will be published in our final Good Cheer wrap-up.

You can send tax-deductible contributions to the Good Cheer Fund, 148 Williman St., Charleston, S.C. 29403. Donations also can be made in person at that address or online at goodcheerfund.com. Any questions can be emailed to Robie Scott at [email protected].

Some might be skeptical, or even cynical, about whether their contribution of a few dollars will make much of a difference in someone's life, but this is not the season for such doubts. It's the season for joy, for giving and for appreciating that when we reach out to help others, we become our best selves.

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