Give a gift of work.

This has meaning on several levels for Elkhart County Works Together.

It is the theme of an alternative Christmas gift campaign for Elkhart County residents.

Instead of buying material things in the usual commercialized approach, hiring a worker from the Skills Bank will ensure a household project is completed and simultaneously help an unemployed local resident.

This act of assistance embodies the spirit of the Christmas season.

This promises to be a sobering holiday for many in Elkhart County. Even economists are glum about the economic prospects in 2010. Although things are expected to be a bit better next year, the local economy has a long way to go to recover from the abyss of the Great Recession.

Double-digit unemployment rates are expected to continue throughout 2010.

Those who are employed should feel fortunate. Many of those who are unemployed find themselves in a unique situation.

However, it is difficult to empathize with the unemployed. When you are working, it’s easy to grumble about those collecting unemployment benefits and not keeping their collective noses to the grindstone.

But for many, forced inactivity isn’t fun. In fact, it’s troubling, disconcerting, depressing and very difficult.

Many would like to work, but there aren’t enough jobs available. And when there are openings, it is difficult to differentiate yourself from the 100 other applicants.

So this is another reason to utilize the Skills Bank. Work is also important for emotional as well as financial reasons.

This Christmas season give a gift of work. It will do a world of good.