On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reported the obvious: The United States is in a recession.

Anticlimactic, isn’t it?

The truth is the bureau didn’t tell us anything we don’t already know. The economic crisis has been simmering for more than year. To no surprise, it boiled over into Wall Street this fall and it’s been trickling down to Main Street.

American families are feeling the slump – lost jobs, low wages, increased cost of living and business expenses, and foreclosed homes.

In the spectrum of people affected by this recession, we see many of our own; families who identify with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community who have trouble treading the murky water.

Despite reports of same-sex households having more disposable income, we’re not immune from tough economic times. We’re as susceptible as anyone to hurting during this crisis.

Our community’s top donors – those who are blessed with disposable income – have even been hit; they’ve lost on investments or in retirement money they’ve worked and saved to build. As a result, they are spread thin and unable to give the kind of support we’ve counted on from them in the past. They pledge to do what they can, and we must pledge to do our part.

In our community, organizations are offering support to families affected by our nation’s weakened economy. Some are reporting, for the first time, families in the GLBT community asking for assistance during the holidays. To this point, many have managed to get by – but unique circumstances are putting a damper on their celebration. These families are struggling to pay a mortgage and meet their basic needs; in addition, they have trouble putting food on the table or presents under the tree for their children.

It’s time we each do our part in any way possible and within each our individual means. There are a number of ways to support struggling families and individuals this holiday season – and they don’t always require writing a check.

This time of year, there are a number of food, toy and blanket drives set up at various locations throughout our neighborhoods. Canned food and new or unopened toys can provide sustenance and joy to families and children during the holidays. Blankets provide the warmth and security everyone should be afforded.

There are also volunteer opportunities that make a difference in the lives of others; on Thanksgiving, for example, community volunteers fed hundreds of San Diego residents, many from the HIV/AIDS community. They provided and served a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to people who otherwise wouldn’t have had one.

If you’re seeking ways to become involved, or outlets for giving, you’ll find boxes located in businesses around town for the Imperial Court de San Diego’s annual toy and blanket drive, which collects toys and blankets for children, families and the homeless throughout San Diego County and in Mexico. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1093.

Also, the Salvation Army Warehouse lost thousands of toys to a flood this year – meaning, without more support from community members like you, many children may not have the joy of opening a toy during the holidays. A toy is a simple gift that can brighten a child’s day. From now through Dec. 16, or on Dec. 5 and Dec. 17 (designated drop off dates) you can drop off a toy at the 10News studios. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1093.

For volunteer opportunities, see our San Diego News section this week on Project Homeless Connect, Dec. 5 at Golden Hall. Volunteers are still needed for this event, which offers a hot meal, medical care and access to crucial social services to homeless people living in San Diego. Also, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1093 for more information.

The holidays are a reminder of the things we treasure most; chief among them, our families, friends and valued relationships. Many of us are blessed with so much – loving, supportive families, stable income – and some of us want for very little.

Sitting at the dinner table (or over drinks) with our family members and friends this holiday season, we must count our blessings – and never forget the thousands who are less fortunate.