EDITORIAL:

On Friday we heard that the ranks of the jobless grew to more than 10 million. It hasn’t been that bad in 25 years. The unemployment rate is at 6.5%. That’s the worst in 14 years.

And economists warn it’s only going to get worse.

Somehow it’s going to ring a little hollow this year when we wish each other “happy holidays.” In fact, how will you know if that reflexive seasonal greeting will even be appropriate in some cases? Won’t you wonder if that stranger you wished well just got laid off and can’t buy gifts for their kids?

These days you can’t be too sure who’s struggling. It’s not just the panhandlers at the gas station — it could be one of your neighbors.

The folks at Share Our Selves, one of Newport-Mesa’s most invaluable charities, are seeing even white-collar workers with a hand out. Dr. Patrick Chen, one of the physicians at Share Our Selves, told us recently of a laid-off loan compliance officer who came in looking for help.

“He kept saying, ‘I can’t believe I’m actually here,’” Chen said.

There but for the grace of God, go I.

Share Our Selves is a one-stop charity — think of it as a virtual department store of charitable services for the needy. There, the indigent can receive medical and dental services, food, assistance filling out welfare forms and even psychiatric care.

If you’re in a position to help others this holiday season, you might want to consider a donation to Share Our Selves.

And if you can’t afford to donate money, think of giving some of your time. The nonprofit really needs drivers to help pick up donated groceries.

If you want to help, call Karen Harrington, Share Our Selves’ director of development, at (949) 515-5400, ext. 31.