THEY are the lifeblood of our communities, the countless voluntary and charity groups that work quietly in the background.
Usually they are low profile. Always they make a real difference to the lives of people around them.
But while the big charities with their big budgets attract big donations, these organisations often struggle to make ends meet.
Which is why the Birmingham Mail is delighted to again link up with the West Bromwich Building Society and the Mercian Trust to hand out grants totalling £10,000 to such groups in our second Get Involved initiative.
The first was a huge success, awarding grants to some really deserving causes. We are sure this latest initiative, to help Christmas-based projects, will be just as successful.
Details of how to apply are on Page 36 of today's paper. The deadline for applications is December 7.
Get writing. Get Involved is there to help.