When times are hard it’s incumbent upon those who can to give a little more to help the needy in their community.

The Washington State Legislature wrapped up most of its work Sunday night, and the results are not pretty. Educational programs took a big hit, as did health care and support for low-income senior citizens and others in need.

Our elected representatives opted against a general tax increase to support such needs. They’re probably right that the voters are in no mood for a tax increase, at least until they see what these cuts have wrought. But it’s sad that when times get tough the most needy among us are the ones who are hurt the most.

With government backing away, it’s up to the good people of Island County to voluntarily make sure the needs in our community are met.

A story in Saturday’s Whidbey News-Times described the growing need for help with medical expenses. Two Whidbey Island nonprofit programs, Friends of Friends on South Whidbey and Small Miracles on Central Whidbey, see a demand for such a program on North Whidbey. Every dollar and volunteer hour counts, so call 360-672-5651.

The Whidbey General Hospital Foundation provides another excellent way to help the uninsured or others with their medical costs. Call 675-3030 for information.

On the education front, each Whidbey Island school district has a foundation to give teachers some of the extras they need to teach effectively. Now that class sizes will be growing, help is needed more than ever. For Coupeville, call 678-4515; for Oak Harbor, call 675-3030.

One of the best ways to help families facing a variety of needs on Whidbey Island is to give to United Way of Island County, which supports numerous nonprofit agencies. Their contact number is 675-1778.

For emergency assistance, the Island County Red Cross chapter is always there. Help them by calling 675-2912.

If you’re particularly concerned about the needs of Island County’s growing senior population, call Senior Services at 675-0311.

These are just a few of the many organizations dedicated to helping people in Island County. Give to your church, shop at island thrift stores that support nonprofit organizations, buy stuff from kids raising money for special school projects … the possibilities are plentiful.

If everyone gives a little more, it might make us less dependent on government services, and that could be the silver lining in this economic crisis.