For more than 30 years, The Miami Herald’s Wish Book has granted blessings to the less fortunate through reader donations.

This year was no exception.

Despite a fragile economy, superstorms Sandy and Nemo and the Newtown, Conn., massacre, our readers donated almost half a million dollars, $330,000 in cash donations alone, supporting the needs of many in the South Florida community. It is a testament to the generosity of our readers, who continue to support those in need and shows a desire to help resolve the problems of our neighbors.

Wish Book recipients received iPads and new beds, a handicap-accessible van and three cars, including a 2013 Suzuki Kizashi sedan, and even a new heart.

The problems of so many of our community’s residents are both large and small, from physical ailments to sudden misfortune. Wish Book stories, which run from Thanksgiving Day into mid-January, are just part of a larger effort to help 650 people this year.

Reporters lend their time and bylines to the project, a feature of this newspaper that reminds us that Christmas and Hanukkah open hearts and pocketbooks during the season of giving.

Wish Book is a vivid reminder, that despite national issues like gun violence and bad weather that may deter local support, people still will help those in need. Let such community engagement continue throughout 2013.