As the Christmas season approaches, our calendars begin to fill up: parties, parades, tree lightings, musical productions and church plays. These events form the fabric of our most beloved Christmas traditions not only in Farmville, but across the nation.

This fabric would be flimsy indeed without its most crucial component — its people.

The dedicated outreach efforts of community members are especially obvious this time of year, shining like the Bethlehem star.

Many of these efforts focus on making holiday magic for our community’s youngest members. In its inaugural year, the Heart of Virginia Christmas Mother program raised more than $20,000 and provided toys for more than 200 children.

Businesses donated to the program and 16 restaurants in town came together to provide food for distribution-day volunteers.

The collaboration and generosity of the town’s businesses and citizens, along with the hard work of those organizing the program, made the miracle of Christmas a reality for these boys and girls.

While some worked to make sure Christmas trees were filled, others focus on more urgent needs.

FACES Food Pantry is one of the largest and most efficient food agencies in the state.

It has been an important presence in our community for 35 years, distributing food weekly to an average of 960 households both during the holiday season and throughout the year.

It provides these services through the generosity of our citizens, who give of their time and money, as well as businesses that donate food.

Elderly members of the community living on their own without the luxury of nearby family or support are especially vulnerable this time of year.

Individuals and business owners joined together with Piedmont Senior Resources to donate gifts and essential items for 300 seniors in the area.

This tender care for our seniors is just another expression of our community’s love for its members.

Other organizations collaborated to spread Christmas joy while raising funds for groups essential to the community.

The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Habitat for Humanity to allocate a portion of the proceeds of the Holiday House Tour towards the important work Habitat carries out throughout the year.

The people of this town are what make it special and what make it shine.

The way they reach out to help each other when in need makes the tight-knit fabric of the community even stronger.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to reach out to those in need, the season is still early. In the spirit of the season, lend a hand. Merry Christmas, Farmville!

David Whitus is the mayor of Farmville. His email address is dwhitus@thewoodlandinc.com.