The organizations of Austin, along with Mower County residents, have stepped up to the plate to give unconditionally this season to those in need.

The Austin Jaycees continued the trend recently when they shopped for 20 local children as part of the group’s Christmas for Kids, a program that collects the names of needy children and raises funds for gifts.

Members of the local Jaycees chapter teamed up with area bars for the fundraiser.

The effort was even noticed by Wal-Mart officials, who matched the $1,000 raised so far.

This is the type of giving we need to continue in Austin, and perhaps someday the recipients of these programs will be able to give back as well.