While some can make an argument that the economy might be in recovery, it’s still a tough world out there.

Thanksgiving is Thursday and we believe now, more than ever, is a good time for the community to step up and help out its fellow man.

Some are already setting an example.

For the 21st year, the city of St. Cloud Saturday will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration from noon – 2 p.m. at the St. Cloud Civic Center (3001 17th St.).

City officials and volunteers will serve turkey and all the fixings to attendees.

The Osceola County Council on Aging is hosting its annual meal Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Barney E. Veal Center, 700 Generation Point.

The number of meals served has grown over the 20-plus years that the Council on Aging began offering Thanksgiving dinner to those in need. More than 1,000 meals were served last year, but each year more families with children show up for the traditional dinner.

We applaud that human spirit.

According to Helping Others Make the Effort, an Osceola County nonprofit group working to break the cycle of homelessness, there are 67 school bus stops along U.S. Highway 192.

Motels have become permanent homes to hundreds of working families who have income to pay for housing, but not enough to save for deposits or down payments on a home. Many more families are “couch-surfers,” meaning that they have lost their home due to foreclosure or eviction and move from place to place until their welcome is worn out.

So please, if you have the time or resources, reach out this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Donate to a reputable charity. Volunteer at a local agency that helps clothe and feed the homeless or families in need. Donate food to a local food bank.

You might want to start at the Council on Aging as it still has volunteer opportunities available for Thanksgiving.

For council volunteer opportunities, call 407-483-1473.