I have many favorites… lots of favorite foods, favorite movies and books, and a lot of favorite people.

Many of you reading this column are favorites of mine. I find you, the people of Pike County, to be the most colorful and kind-hearted group that I could ever hope to meet.

We’re a tough group, standing ready to support one another and always there to lend a helping hand.

Now, with the Christmas season quickly approaching, there’s no better time for the people of Pike County to exercise this valuable characteristic.

We can help our neighbors and ourselves while saving time and money by shopping right here at home.

With gas prices reaching a lower level than many of us thought that we would ever see again, we may be tempted to take our shopping trip on the road, but let’s remember that every penny spent in Pike County helps support the things that we hold near and dear.

As the money circulates through our community and the tax dollars are distributed to the appropriate recipients, we all benefit from the purchase. We can easily look around and see the results of our efforts to support our neighbors.

Since our county is so full of treasures, it is an easy task to find something for everyone on your list.

So, if we can help our county and our neighbors, why wouldn’t we?

Now, as I purchase the gifts that make up my Christmas list this year, I’ll be thinking of all of you. You’re my neighbors and my friends. You’re my favorites and I’m honored to shop at home and do my part to help our county. Our focus on keeping our Christmas money in the pockets of local merchants and our tax dollars in Pike County helps us all and I cannot think of any group I’d rather support.

Wendy Ward can be reached at 670-6301 or via email at wendy.ward@troymessenger.com.