NORTH ROYALTON – The holiday season is a warm time of year, but, for some, it can be cold and unsettling.

Many in our own backyard find themselves without work or living on a fixed income struggling to make ends meet.

In the spirit of Christmas, North Royalton service clubs always band together at this time of year to help make a difference in the lives of those who need a helping hand.

On Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving, the Royalton Hills Lions Club, Rotary Club, Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, and the city’s Office on Aging will team up to volunteer for two-hour shifts manning the North Royalton Salvation Army’s red kettle inside Giant Eagle’s lobby, located at the Royalton Plaza Shopping Center at 6000 Royalton Road, from noon to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays leading up to Christmas Eve.

Donna Urban, a Royalton Hills Lions member, helps coordinate the event each year, and said who better than the city’s service organizations and churches to band together to serve others.

“We love giving back to the community and helping our neighbors. That’s what Christmas is all about,” Urban said.

During last year’s red kettle drive, residents donated $8,260 to the cause. It’s money that will stay within Royalton to be used on things like vouchers for kids for school and winter clothing, helping neighbors avoid utility disconnects during the winter, providing Christmas presents for families in need who have little ones, assisting the homeless and it is also used occasionally to supplement the North Royalton Food Pantry.

“This year we want to do $10,000 or more, that’s our goal,” Urban said.

Senior Center Manager and Outreach Specialist Debra Burrows said North Royalton residents are generous givers who always help their neighbors, and it’s a great thing to see.

“This is what community is all about. It’s the season of caring and sharing and giving to others that are less fortunate, and bringing a little hope and joy to those who may otherwise not have it,” she said.

Mayor Bob Stefanik said the extra change goes a long way in making a difference in the lives of those in need.

“North Royalton is a great community full of generous neighbors who care,” he said. “All this wouldn’t be possible without them and our service clubs, churches and businesses who give of their time. We are truly grateful for all they do to make a difference.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer to man the red kettle can call Donna Urban at 440-582-8712.