Loaves & Fishes has reported that donations of food and clothing are down this year. Toys for Tots reports that, at least in Massachusetts, donations are down significantly over the past two years. And across the state needs are on the rise. The Greater Boston Food Bank reported delivering 38,000 turkeys to families for Thanksgiving—3,000 more than last year. There are more than 200 food pantries and soup kitchens in Central Mass. alone, providing meals and other services to those in need.

So, what’s going on? Why has giving dropped?

One theory is that rising fuel prices are responsible for the drop, as well as for the increase in requests for assistance. Another theory is that lack of planning is responsible. People get busy with holiday shopping and other obligations and forget.

There is no doubt that fuel costs are rising, and no reason to believe they will ever come down, which does not bode well for families and individuals who are already struggling.

Planning? It’s not like we don’t know Christmas is coming. It rolls around every Dec. 25. Although people who need help need it all year long, not just during the holiday season, the need is more keenly felt during the holidays, when the media draws attention to things people are getting, and giving, to celebrate the season.

We agree with Kerra Noyes, local coordinator for the Toys for Tots campaign, who said, “If all of us could just go out and spend $5 to $10, we could make such a difference in people’s lives.”

That isn’t much to spend to give a needy child something to smile about this holiday season—it’s the equivalent of a couple of lattes at Dunkin’ Donuts.