Needs aren't necessarily greater during the holidays — though it may feel that way to parents who can't afford gifts for their children.

With the price of housing, medical care and fuel at record levels, it's even more difficult than usual to afford life's basic necessities, let alone extra luxuries during the holiday season.

As the economy improves, many people in Hawai'i are being left behind, working low-wage jobs with little hope for improving their self-sufficiency. In fact, despite the low unemployment rate, nearly one-third of Hawai'i's residents live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The holidays present a particularly challenging time of year for these families living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by. That's why the kindness and generosity of compassionate community members can have such a significant impact.

When receiving a donated bed means an alternative to sleeping on the floor, or owning a car in working condition means having reliable transportation to work, it's more than a gift; it's a tool to improve a person's overall quality of life.

Nancy, a senior from 'Ewa Beach, can attest to the impact a small gesture can have during the holidays. Living alone on a small fixed income, her budget made it difficult to afford anything besides the absolute basics.

Last Christmas, through the kindness of an anonymous community member, she received a blanket and a pair of earrings — a relatively inexpensive gift, but one that meant the world to Nancy, as she couldn't otherwise afford them.

Though the donor couldn't possibly know how much a difference the gift made, Nancy still lights up talking about it.

It was the only thing she received for Christmas, and it provided a little bit of hope in her life. She had only recently recovered from homelessness, and "extras" like blankets were simply not something she could afford.

Needs exist through all areas of our community, in many different forms, every day of year. In no way is this more apparent than through phone calls to 211, a free 24-hour information and referral service offered by Aloha United Way.

Last year, more than 12,000 people called to request assistance obtaining basic necessities such as clothing, food or shelter, or to ask for help making ends meet. Callers were directed to agencies or programs for assistance — the vital first step toward overcoming needs and improving their lives.

When it comes to putting forth an effort to help improve lives, what matters is doing what you can to make a difference. When you contribute, you never know how strong of an impact you'll make. Sometimes it's as simple as volunteering to read to young children, helping an elderly neighbor with chores, or picking up litter at the beach.

Whatever you choose to do, your compassion can go much further than you imagined. Small gestures can make a major difference, and when we all work together, we can make powerful changes.

Needs may become more noticeable during the holidays, but the reality is that we have a responsibility to our community every day of the year. Do your part, and do what you can.

Someone in our community will be grateful for it.