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The ball in New York’s Times Square dropped at midnight as usual, and with a flip of a calendar page, we’ve entered 2024.

There is nothing magical about all that, despite the hoopla and some hangovers. We still put on our shoes one foot at a time and tackle each day as it comes.

That being said, a community huddle could help us stay focused and supportive of each other as we face a new year. Some days take more courage than others, but working toward a goal together even in separate ways can help ease everyone’s burden.

Instead of making a resolution to lose 30 pounds in three weeks — which is not a healthy, reasonable goal anyway — try this: Do something to make someone else’s life better.

If you don’t know anyone who needs help, find one of the numerous nonprofits, schools or community activities that depend on volunteers and tell them you are available. Delivering meals, picking up roadside litter, reading to preschoolers — there is a task out there that fits your preferences.

Longtime volunteers know that regular outreach not only helps support people and organizations who need it, but it is a two-way street of making them feel better about themselves. Many volunteers say the pay-off is bigger than what they put in.

This year will no doubt be a challenging one in so many ways: a contentious election year where we will be endlessly bombarded with campaign rhetoric and misinformation; more challenges across the globe when it comes to climate-fueled disasters; and continuing warfare in the Middle East, Ukraine and other countries.

Staying well-informed is the responsibility of every adult, but a good way to regain perspective in an increasingly complicated world is to connect with someone in the community who needs extra help. This area is rich with people who do that as is demonstrated by the Making a Difference stories published periodically in The Free Press.

It doesn’t, however, take being featured in a newspaper to know that your volunteer efforts make a difference. You’ll discover that for yourself soon enough.

— Mankato Free Press, Jan. 1