The Town of Gilbert presented the "Spirit of Giving Award" to Jim and Deana Kilgos with Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona last week. Mayor John Lewis presented the 12Ks of Christmas "Spirit of Giving" to recognize efforts given to help animals. The award was sponsored by Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

It's time to collect toys for those in need and the Gilbert Fire Department is again taking a lead role.

With the possible exceptions of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Diana Ross and The Supremes, no other act from Motown's golden age was as influential on pop music in the '60s and early '70s as The Temptations.

It’s that time of the year again where we need to think about helping others — not because the Valley’s United Way organizations kicked off their annual workplace campaigns last week, but because it’s always that time of year.

Connecting to Serve is encouraging Ahwatukee Foothills residents to "Give to Love, Love to Serve" this weekend with a benefit dinner at Lexus of Chandler on Saturday.

The Arizona Attorney General's Office has issued tips for consumers looking to make a charitable donation this season. Some of the advice includes:

Met Life and Robert Tate are hoping to give a book to each Chandler High School student to read this summer. The school is gathering the names and types of books each student would like, with plans to distribute the books in May.

Times are tough for everyone, but about 75 employees of the Arizona Farm Bureau Home Office in Gilbert decided they wanted to help others in need. So, throughout the year, they held various activities — a bake sale, a chili cook-off, a yard sale from items donated by staff, decorating contests, and more — to raise the money.

The only “getting out” many of us will do in the next week will be a flurry of holiday errands: dropping off baked goods to friends and neighbors, standing in line at the post office, attending company parties and scrambling to find gifts for people we have yet to cross off our lists.

The only “getting out” many of us will do in the next week will be a flurry of holiday errands: dropping off baked goods to friends and neighbors, standing in line at the post office, attending company parties and scrambling to find gifts for people we have yet to cross off our lists.

To participate in the spirit of the holiday season, you may be thinking of making some charitable gifts. If so, you'll no doubt enjoy helping a group that does valuable work.

To participate in the spirit of the holiday season, you may be thinking of making some charitable gifts. If so, you'll no doubt enjoy helping a group that does valuable work.

From homeless families to homebound elderly, there are many people in the East Valley who receive assistance from Mesa United Way-funded agencies. Some folks need shelter until they can get back on their feet again. Some women need counseling and a safe place to stay to break free from domestic violence. Some children need the mentoring and guidance that comes from programs for youth.

Parenting has been a blast so far.

Parenting has been a blast so far.