You’ve heard the word before, whether from the pulpit or bully pulpit, but it bears repeating, especially now.

Christmas is a time of giving. And while it’s natural to revel in the thrill of receiving, the spirit of this season is wrapped up in charity — and with our economy in tatters, more and more people out of work and the future wildly uncertain, it’s time for those of us who do have jobs, who do have paychecks, to consider the less-fortunate, not just at Christmas but in all seasons.

The signs of need are everywhere — at churches undertaking acts of charity and assistance or through the local bell-ringer for the Salvation Army, one of the nation’s most beloved charities, aiding some of our most destitute. And some of our friends and family members have favorite causes (besides themselves, we presume) — another perfect way to give.

Christmas isn’t what’s under the tree but what’s in the heart.

A few local charities worth mentioning, plus what Trib nonprofit reporter Terri Jo Ryan tells us they could use:

* Animal Birth Control Clinic, 1531 Wooded Acres Drive; 776-0442: Laundry detergent, trash bags, copy paper, paper towels, Sharpies and highlighters.

* Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, 2323 Columbus Ave.; 752-9330, ext. 141: New bicycles for boys and girls, new laptop computers, Wal-Mart/H-E-B gift cards for emergency needs of clients, Waco Transit passes for clients.

* Talitha Koum Institute, 1311 Clay Ave.; 753-1144: Digital camera, diapers (size 4, 5, 6) and diaper wipes, gift cards for gasoline and food, laundry and cleaning supplies, new children’s clothing (newborn to size 10).

* Methodist Children’s Home, 1111 Herring Ave.; 750-1213: New, unopened toys for children in the Grandparents as Parents Program, leather basketballs for the MCH Boys Ranch, kayaks (four) for the ranch, outdoor recreational equipment (camping, fishing, softball, etc.), portable bleachers for the gym.

* Meals On Wheels, 501 W. Waco Drive; 752-0316: A laminator, digital camera, four-door sedans and minivans, still in good condition.

* Wesley Woods Alzheimer’s Care Center, 1700 Woodgate Drive; 666-5454: Blinds or window coverings, table linens (tablecloths and napkins), leather recliners, donations to stock the resource library, craft supplies for activities.

* Friends For Life, 5000 Lakewood Drive; 772-7600: Computer, printing calculator, postage stamps, copy paper, prepaid gasoline/grocery cards.

* Heart of Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Ninth Street and Austin Avenue, Suites 801 and 803; 753-7332: Overhead projector, TV for waiting area, prize items (such as caps, T-shirts, coloring books, small toys) for prevention programs for children.

* World Hunger Relief Inc., 356 Spring Lake Road; 799-5611: Commercial-grade watering hoses, matching sets of mugs or glassware, pens and notepads for office, kitchen blender, chest freezer in good condition.

* Mighty Wind Worship Center (adult education class); Kristina Franks, 754-2973: five-shelf book cases, copy paper, preschool children’s art supplies, HP56 printer cartridges and three Waco Tribune-Herald subscriptions for Mondays.

* Caritas of Waco, 300 S. 15th St.; 753-4593: Child and adult chairs, carpet or vinyl tile floor for waiting area.

* Mission Waco, 1315 N. 15th St.; 753-4900: Digital camera, lawn mower and heavy-duty weed-eater, new adult-size socks and underwear (for walk-in and shelter needs), three to five adult-sized bicycles (new or used in good condition) and one large picnic table or mixed lawn furniture (for housing).

* Compassion Ministries of Waco, 1421 Austin Ave.; 755-7640: Children’s underwear and socks, alarm clocks, grocery or discount store gift certificates ($25 or less), bed pillows.

For other worthy non-profits and their needs, please visit “What charities need for Christmas” at wacotrib.com.