It’s something of a tradition for the media to report hard luck stories at Christmas.This has always been somewhat flawed, because people suffer and struggle all year round, and often don’t get the attention they need except at Christmas time.Part of the reason is that Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, and no one likes to see people suffer or go without when others are celebrating. Christians also remember the humble conditions in which Jesus was born, and at this time of year, also remember the Christian virtues of helping those who are less fortunate. So it is not so irrational that people feel a greater obligation to help at this time of year. But they need to help in February and in July as well.This year, hard luck stories have abounded. There’s no doubt that more residents are facing hard times this year than they have in decades.The number of jobless is higher, and those who are employed may well have had their hours cut or seen their wages and benefits cut back.Then too, there is the uncertainty of the future. No one really knows what 2012 will bring, but a strong economic recovery does not seem very likely. So there’s a good chance more people will find themselves out of work or struggling to make ends meet.In that context, it has been heartening to see so many people giving to those who are facing tough times, even when the donor may be struggling. The outpouring of gifts for programmes like Toys for Tots, the support for the food hampers laid on by charitable organisations and the offers of support to people like Jahma Gibbons, Mrs O and others is truly remarkable.What we cannot forget is that people will need help after the lights and Christmas trees have been taken down.It is incumbent upon all who are lucky enough to have more than others to extend help and support to the needy. But it is also critical that this be done in a constructive way.Bermuda has a remarkable network of charities and a people who are extraordinarily philanthropic. But help needs to be coordinated and targeted. And the results need to be measured. People need to be given tools and opportunities to improve their lives. It is a truism to say it is better to give a person a fishing line and a hook rather than a fish. People need tools and skills to get and keep employment so they can support themselves and their families and not be dependent on Government or the kindness of strangers.In the long term too, the community needs to work out how to help people in a constructive way. It is no good throwing money at a problem when it manifests itself in an adult. Instead, help needs to be given to young parents, to teachers and to other people working with the youth. There are many worthy organisations doing this, but they need to be certain that they are working together so that there are no overlaps and no one falls between the cracks. And people have to remember that the ultimate goal is to help those in need, not to gain plaudits and praise for the charity itself.It is good to see that the spirit of giving is alive and well in Bermuda. That spirit is needed not only now, but throughout the next year, and Bermuda cannot afford to waste a penny.With that in mind, The Royal Gazette wishes its advertisers and readers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. Merry Christmas!