A person with no Internet access and who wouldn’t recognize a PayPal if she had one called last week and asked the Whidbey News-Times who she could send a check to for Christmas. She recognized we are all living in hard times and she wanted to help someone. We promised we’d give her a few ideas and addresses.

For general giving, and to make sure your money gets to a needy organization, there’s no better place to start than United Way. Its members help everyone from kids to seniors. Here’s the mailing address:

United Way of Island County: P.O. Box 798, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

If you want to help people who suddenly find themselves in an emergency situation after a fire, flood or some other disaster:

American Red Cross, Island County Chapter, P.O. Box 1588, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

When times are tough, food gets scarce for many individuals and families. To help feed the hungry there are two good choices:

North Whidbey Help House: 1091 SE Hathaway St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Gifts from the Heart: P,O. Box 155, Coupeville WA 98239.

With people losing jobs and medical costs so high, many islanders need help. Here are two places where your money will be used wisely:

Whidbey General Hospital Foundation: P.O. Box 641, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Small Miracles: P.O. Box 912, Coupeville, 98239.

A lot of older people and those in poor health can’t keep up with maintenance on the houses they own. Other young families need homes of their own. To assist, send a check to:

Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers: 107 S. Main St., Suite C102, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Habit for Humanity Island County: P.O. Box 2279, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277.

There are always needy children, regardless of the time of year. Here are a couple of places where your money will be well spent:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County: 913 East Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Coupeville Boys & Girls Club: 203 North Main St., Coupeville, WA 98238.

Unfortunately, many people, primarily women and children, find they need help because they’re in an abusive situation. To help:

Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, P.O. Box 190, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Finally, many senior citizens are hit particularly hard in tough times as meager incomes decline even further. Here’s where to send a check:

Senior Services of Island County, 5518 Woodard Ave., Freeland, WA 98249.

This list is by no means inclusive. There are numerous worthy educational, fraternal, religious and charitable organizations that need additional support this Christmas season and throughout the year. If you’re doing okay during the Great Recession, remember to share your good fortune with others.