Now’s a good time to show your love and it doesn’t have to be in a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Lots of folks are stressed, depressed, disgusted and dissatisfied about the way their lives are headed. Layoffs, resulting financial turmoil, family issues, and national and world events can make tomorrow seem bleak and hopeless.

Likewise, charitable agencies, faith-based organizations and places of worship that help people in need are facing dwindling funds and rising requests for assistance.

You can’t solve these problems but you might have an answer that doesn’t cost a thing.

I, too, have had to curb my spending and giving.  But I can say or do something to encourage those who are hurting, suffering and who just plain feel sick of living. If you’re not in that group, chances are you know someone who is.

Maybe you don’t have money to give, but I bet you’ve got a smile and an open ear. That’ll work for a lot of people who are about to give up and who believe no one cares.

Listen closely to folks waiting at the doctor’s office, in the grocery line, on the bus. You’ll hear stories that tug at your heart. Perhaps you can offer a kind word or share a useful referral to a food program, a free dental clinic or a charitable clothes closet.

Some helping agencies are counting on donors such as you to help sustain services.

But it doesn’t always take dollars to do good. Compassion and kindness are valuable, too.

Forget the chocolates. Have a heart.