Every year The Post and Courier solicits donations for the "Good Cheer Fund" from our community to help six local charities brighten Christmases for many in the Lowcountry.

With the economy contracting, many charities are struggling, but the Good Cheer Fund is doing well.

Last year-to-date the fund had raise $96,172, but this year they've already received $146,573 -- which is more than all of last year: $138,755.

Dear P&C: Great job guys.

Note:
100% of the money raised is passed along to The Salvation Army, Star Gospel Mission, Association for the Blind, Catholic Charities, Carolina Youth Development Center, and Lowcountry Food Bank.

If you want to help, send a check to the Good Cheer Fund, c/o The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800.

If your contribution is received by noon on Monday, December 22, it will be listed in The Post and Courier on or before December 25, 2008.

One of the nice things about what The Post and Courier's doing is that they've already found out which charities are worth giving to -- you should always check to see how much of your money goes to the cause before you donate or buy something to support a cause.