Santa Claus is coming to town. But that’s old news. Really old news. Christmas decorations have been in stores since before Halloween.

It feels like the Christmas season starts earlier every year.

And that’s a very good thing.

Along with ringing cash registers, the holidays also bring toy and food drives, fundraising, and a higher than usual levels of generosity and good will.

Nowhere is that more true than here in Scarborough.

At this time of year, people seem to be more willing to give their time and money to help others.

Toys collected during the 16th annual Auxiliary Police Toy Drive, which kicked off earlier this month, will be delivered to kids in neighbourhoods and shelters across Scarborough.

On the weekend, the 2nd Highland Creek and 11th Bendale Scout groups began their 27th annual food drive. Thousands of kilograms of food have been collected over the past few

years to help local families during the holidays.

Farther east, Durham Regional Police have started a program where people can pay their tickets in toy donations rather than cash. There’s no such program in Scarborough, but maybe

we should have one. At this time of year, there is no shortage of worthy causes to donate to.

The run-up to the holidays is a time when people’s thoughts turn to giving, to family and friends, and to the community. Christmas shoppers who may feel guilty about splurging have plenty of options to help someone out and ease their conscience.

So the earlier the Christmas season comes, the earlier people start giving.

And the earlier people start giving, the more those in need benefit.

There is no better way to welcome Santa to town.