The election has left some people feeling detached from their neighbors.

As we enter a period of being thankful and generous, it’s important to ditch divisive politics. Though everyone’s perspective is different, we are all part of one community. One way to improve the community is by sharing compassion with others.

This year, donate to a local charity, give your time at a food pantry or donate gifts through one of several drives in town.

Programs such as the Christmas Mothers for Heart of Virginia and Cumberland County will be collecting new toys and donations this year to bring Christmas to children.

United Way’s letter campaign is just beginning, giving residents the opportunity to support 19 nonprofits. Take a minute to stop by its next fundraiser on Friday at Centra Southside Community Hospital for a Brunswick stew lunch.

FACES Food Pantry feeds more than 1,700 mouths a week because of donations. Non-perishable goods and small financial donations can go a long way to helping FACES reach its goal of $50,000-60,000 during its annual fundraising drive.

Even an hour spent one Saturday morning or Thursday evening at FACES can help.

With winter temperatures rolling in, think twice before tossing aside your old coats, blankets and gloves. The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts is accepting these types of items for its winter drive. Something that no longer matters to you can bring warmth to our community.

Change starts not in Washington, D.C., but outside, in our community giving a hand to a neighbor in need.