Perhaps Blanche Dubois’ best known words capture the end of the year reality for so many charitable organizations. “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers,” said Tennessee Williams’ fragile heroine. This is the time that charities, and philanthropic organizations of all kinds are also depending on the kindness of strangers to help them close their books in the black. I should note---WGBH itself is one of those philanthropic organizations.

Much as I enjoy the gift exchange with special friends and loved ones, I am increasingly disheartened that the season of giving now means the season of gift giving. The few short weeks leading up to Christmas Day Americans are engaged in a national manic shopping spree so intense some stores are routinely open round the clock. So little time to get it all done, and often so little joy at the end.

To be sure there are those who are faithful in their giving—doing good. They give back–volunteering at shelters, cooking and serving up meals to the hungry, and making a child’s Christmas wish come true. And it must be said that the still somewhat new Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has gone a long way toward boosting the coffers of the organizations who do God’s work. They can use it.

When you grow up with the giving habit, it becomes a part of you. I saw my parents give generously of their time and money, and we were not rich by any means. Both of my parents grew up with very little. The life they provided for my sister and me was a world away from what they had. No doubt why my father always told us that we must always, “help somebody else.”

Charities took a hit during the recession, some forced to close shop. But things have come back. Last year the Chronicle of Philanthropy documented a marked increase in donations using data from the 6 years between 2006-2012. And the people with lesser means led the way. In terms of participation the wealthy, many of whom benefitted during those recession years gave less and less. The poor gave at a much higher ratio. There’s no hard data about why, but some speculate that the folks with less in their wallets empathize more with the neediest–because some have been there.

This year a lot of charities are benefitting from the anger of first time givers making what some describe as ‘rage’ donations. They are donating defensively—concerned that the organizations supporting causes they believe in are politically vulnerable.

On this day after Christmas I’ll go online and make a stop at the post office to drop off my annual donations. It is never as much as I’d like to give, but I’ll feel good that I’ve done something. And as one generous billionaire Oprah Winfrey notes, “It’s not just about being able to write a check, it’s being able to touch somebody’s life.”