This time of the year is associated by many with giving — giving presents to friends and family, but also giving to those less fortunate.

Last week, the Butler Eagle published a list of various groups from across the county that seek donations to help the needy.

Around Butler, some groups are familiar to most people — United Way, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and the Toys for Tots campaign. Other, less-well-known groups and efforts include Butler Memorial Hospital’s Caring Angels, the Mental Health Association’s Operation Reindeer, VOICe (Victim Outreach Intervention Center), Lighthouse Foundation, Lifesteps, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Adopt a Resident at Concordia, Harmony Museum Giving Tree, Paul Dunbar Community Center, Glade Run Lutheran Services and Community Care Connections.

Many more groups, including scores of churches and smaller charities, are working in this community doing good works.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s a natural focus on giving thanks for all that we have, and for charitable giving to help those less fortunate. Although the needs exist throughout the year, the holiday season is a time when many people think more about giving and helping others.

This shift toward a charitable mind-set seems to come as reliably as the first snowflakes of winter. For many in Butler County, it’s also a time to be reminded that this community is very generous and caring.

To most of those involved in charitable giving and volunteering, it’s just the right thing to do.

Lately, though, modern science has backed up that widely held belief through discoveries that show that human brains are designed to encourage giving and helping others.

Simply put, for most people it feels good to give. And high-technology brain scans have shown that helping someone in need or donating to a good cause creates brain reactions similar to those produced by receiving monetary rewards, romantic experiences or eating a delicious dessert.

Science is proving what people have long known — it’s better, or feels better, to give than receive.

So, at this time of year, those who make charitable contributions are not only helping people in need; they also are helping themselves feel better. By giving, they are receiving.

Sociological studies have found that people who give their time or money to help others are themselves helped by feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives.

So, there can be debate over whether helping others is a selfless or selfish act. But it’s a senseless debate. For those who do give, it’s no secret — it feels good to give and to help others.

With all the charitable groups in Butler County doing good works, there is no shortage of outlets for giving money, delivering Christmas presents or volunteering.

This a good time to resolve to help someone — and, in the process, help oneself. Calling to volunteer, shopping for Christmas presents for people not on the friends and family list, writing a check to a charity, putting some money in a donation box or red kettle are just some of the ways to give.

Another benefit found in giving is that it’s available to anyone. Gifts of any amount and presents of any size or cost are all important. And volunteering one’s time and effort is free, but still a most precious gift.

Butler County is a generous community and, during this holiday season with a struggling economy, the needs might be greater than ever. There are nearly limitless opportunities to help someone else, and help oneself in the process. Just look around and find people in need or a worthy cause — then give, and receive.