A couple of quotes in Friday’s Journal-World offered a timely holiday reminder of the power of many individuals working toward a common goal.

In a story about the death of longtime community leader and volunteer Bob Georgeson, his daughter recalled a speech her father had given at Baker University in 1998. As he modestly spoke about his own community efforts, Georgeson said, ” … I believe that, while I may not make much of a difference because of my individual efforts, if many of us do so — with commitment and determination and without self-interest — we will make a difference.”

In a front page story in Friday’s paper, Erika Dvorske, executive director of United Way of Douglas County noted that the struggling economy had been hard on this year’s fundraising campaign, which is about $100,000 behind where it historically stands at this point. “Our campaign,” said Dvorske, “is contingent on lots of people doing little bits. And that presents a challenge.”

We suspect United Way isn’t the only local nonprofit group facing that challenge, especially as they receive requests for holiday assistance this year.

The common message in these two statements is that community needs usually aren’t met by one large donor or fundraising effort. It is a matter of “many of us” each “doing little bits.”

Especially in the current economy, many people may not think they have anything to spare, but almost everyone can afford to share a little something. A donation of $5 to United Way or one toy to Toys for Tots may not seem to make any difference, but if 1,000 or 2,000 or 10,000 people give $5 or one toy, it makes a huge difference. It can help a United Way agency provide vital services to struggling clients or make Christmas happier for hundreds of local children. If you truly feel you have no money to spare this year, consider giving a little time to help serve Christmas dinner or ring bells for the Salvation Army.

Some people can afford to give more than others, but the point is that even if you can’t give a lot, you still can do your part. Your “little bit” combined with thousands of other “little bits” really can make a big difference.