Today, America pauses to celebrate family and the nation's many blessings. We celebrate with groaning tables of food, fellowship and yes, even football. It is also a time when this nation, known for its generosity, turns to help those among us who struggle to provide the basic necessities for their own families.

As letters on the next page attest, many in our community celebrate Thanksgiving by acknowledging and appreciating the goodness around them and in their lives.

We often lament that Thanksgiving gets lost in the rush toward Christmas. But the truth is that despite the Christmas decorations already greeting us in stores, Thanksgiving Day is still just that, a time to give thanks.

It is also a day when we can step away for a moment from the consumerism around us and take stock of how we can help those who need the assistance of their neighbors.

As in years past, The Advertiser Christmas Fund, which begins today, is one part of the community effort to lend a hand to others.

In December 1928, The Advertiser installed a large Christmas stocking in its front window and invited readers to contribute toys for needy children.

That Christmas appeal 79 years ago was the beginning of what has evolved over the years into The Advertiser's Christmas Fund.

Through good times and bad, war years and years of great prosperity, Hawai'i's residents have reached deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to help those in need.

Hawai'i has changed much over the last 79 years, of course, but what has not changed is the immense generosity of those of us fortunate to call these Islands home.

Although we have much to be grateful for, it is a distressing fact that as 2007 winds down, social service agencies find themselves stretched to help the growing need in our Island 'ohana.

Helping Hands Hawai'i, The Advertiser's Christmas Fund partner, reports that more families are seeking help this year. And some of their requests paint a telling picture of the growing needs.

Each year, residents ask for toys for their children who will otherwise have empty stockings and needed kitchenware or clothing. But this year, says Maria Chomyszak, program manager at the Community Clearinghouse, people are also asking for car repairs, tires, gift cards for food, places to live and jobs.

Tomorrow, with the Thanksgiving meal a blissful memory, many of us will swing into Christmas mode. In this most joyous of seasons it would be a true gift to remember those who ask for our help only because they truly need it. And only ask for the things most of us take for granted.

Our children may not appreciate it today, but if their Christmas is also about sharing with others, we will have given them a lifelong gift. And a gift that will be multiplied many times.

Last year, The Advertiser Christmas Fund raised $214,517.55, of which $32,600 was donated by one generous Island resident, The Advertiser's longtime Secret Santa. And as of last month, 13,178 people in our community have been assisted by Helping Hands because of that gift from Advertiser readers in 2006.

On this day of giving thanks, The Advertiser 'ohana is thankful for being a part of this wonderful community and for our generous readers. We wish all a happy, bountiful and blessed Thanksgiving.