This season is a time for giving. While we may often transform into retail hunters searching for the best buy in shopping malls, we shouldn’t forget about the true meaning of Christmas.

A famous secret Santa tradition in Kansas City shows how important it is to be kind to one another. The tradition began in 1979 after philanthropist Larry Stewart started handing out $100 bills to random people in the city who needed financial help. After his death in 2007, someone continued the tradition, according to the Miami Herald.

While we can’t all afford to give out hundred dollar bills to dozens of people, there are many other ways we can give back this holiday season.

In Pearl River County, people can donate money or toys to the local Toys for Tots campaign. Nearly 25 years ago, the World Outreach Revival Center started the program, and for the past 12 years they’ve been affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.

An estimated 1,000 children received Christmas presents last year through the local Toys for Tots campaign.

Today, members of the campaign are hosting the second annual Mississippi State Championship BCA-sanctioned Barbecue Competition, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crosby Commons. Go grab a lunch for $15 and help a good cause.

People can also give back this holiday season to local children via the angel tree program. The Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Ministry program helps make Christmas wishes comes true by collecting toys and money for children in the community. Donors select an angel ornament, with the child’s wish list, from trees placed in local businesses, including Claiborne Hill, Walmart, Highland Community Hospital and Central Baptist Church in McNeill. For more information about the program, call 601-798-6301 or email romans828@charter.net.

While we may forget the true meaning of Christmas amid the hustle and bustle, just by donating time, money or toys, we can play a secret Santa in our hometown.