Big box chain stores are not the evil-empire villains that some would make them out to be. These days it’s pretty much impossible to avoid them, and there’s no compelling reason to.

Having said that, there are many good reasons to make sure that part of your holiday shopping list is taken care of by a locally-owned small business.

While many national retailers have good records as corporate citizens, the folks who own that little store on the corner are the ones who support the community in more ways than one.

They’re the ones who not only write a check to support a youth sports team, they’re also likely coaching it as well. They’re the ones whose checks go in the collection plate at church every Sunday. They’re the ones who sponsor a float in the Christmas parade, or are handing out hot chocolate in their store’s parking lot.

When disaster strikes, the big-box stores will often send a truckload of supplies. That’s great. But the folks who run the corner store are often the ones who hand out the relief supplies to those in need, or help to clean up. April 27 was a prime example.

No one is saying that you should stay away entirely from the mega-chains. That’s just foolhardy. There are things they provide that small stores simply can’t, and they employ many of your neighbors. Many franchises are locally owned as well.

But as Christmas approaches, just remember the store run by your friend down the street or in the next pew. In every community, they’re the ones who are first to help.

Take a moment to shop local.