The Powerball jackpot reached record heights recently. People that headed down to their local convenience stores and gas stations fantasized ways to spend the massive $1.5 billion jackpot.

As nice as it would be to get a nice chunk of cash — even the $50,000 won in neighboring Pamlico County would be incredible — it’s important to take a step back and be thankful for what we already have. It’s hard not to want more and more when consumerism is promoted at every corner.

However, there are those less fortunate right here in Beaufort County. The most recent census  estimates 21 percent of the county’s 47-585 residents live beneath the poverty level. There are organizations across the county that can benefit from even the slightest contributions and volunteer time.

Eagle’s Wings is an organization located in Washington. Its mission statement says its “hope is to alleviate the immediate hunger needs of the impoverished and homeless.” The organization prides itself on stretch even the smallest contributions of time and money, saying on its website that it can turn a $10 donation into $100 of groceries.

Volunteer time is also appreciated. Eagle’s Wings requests help for duties ranging from front office work to warehouse sorting. The warehouse is open in the mornings on Monday through Friday from 9:30 until 11. Volunteering one’s time once a week isn’t a demanding commitment, but it can certainly go a long way in aiding the impoverished people in our county.

Many churches throughout the county also help run food drives and pantries. One can check with his or her church for even more ways to contribute.

The giving season of Christmas isn’t quite a distant memory yet. Let’s not get sucked into the Powerball frenzy. Rather, let’s appreciate what we have and see what we can do to help those in our own back yard.