REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: Giving to Others is What This Season is All About [VIDEO]

So, I got the chance to be part of something quite touching the other day - something that, to my way of thinking, really illustrates what the holidays are all about.

Our sister station, 98 Country, has been asking listeners to nominate a loved one, friend, coworker, etc. in need of a little extra help this season for a "Random Act of Kindness." The recipient is then surprised by a member of the 98 Country staff with anything from toys to cash to food coupons - you know, just a little boost for a family that might not have much to put under the tree later this month.

As the station videographer, I was asked to accompany 98 Country's Lynn Quale yesterday on a trip to the St. Augusta Legion Post 621 to visit Andrea. Andrea's a single mother, working four jobs, including one as a cook for the Legion.

Andrea supports her family all by herself all year long, so Andrea's mother thought her daughter deserved a helping hand to perk up the holidays.

As you'll see in the above video, the gesture was definitely unexpected and appreciated.

I guarantee we all know someone who needs a helping hand this season. It could be a family member who's hit hard times. It might be friend, neighbor or colleague without anywhere to go for Christmas dinner. Maybe it's an organization in need of food, toys or a few hours of your volunteer time. Really, it could be as simple as paying for a stranger's coffee in the drive thru lane. (DISCLAIMER: this happened to me a few weeks ago, and it put a smile on my face for the rest of the day)

Whatever the case, I suggest thinking about what you can do to help someone else this season. As we learned in St. Augusta yesterday, it's the little things that might just make a big difference.