The cold has made me more aware of my surroundings. This awareness has caused me to begin noticing others (because, surprise! The world doesn't revolve around me/us!). By noticing others, I am now seeing the homeless shivering and without coats...well, without basic necessities. I am heartbroken.

The majority of us have given a homeless man/woman some spare change, maybe even passed out some extra cheeseburgers on a Saturday morning with our churches or schools. But when is the last time you have gone to give them some old coats, gloves or even help get them some shelter? I'm not saying take a stranger to your home, but maybe drive them to a homeless shelter, or a local church. Many churches--and if not all, then it very well should be--have people in charge to help take care of those who are more needier than ourselves.

Homelessness is talked about a lot: how can we help them? What can the government do to help? We--America--have got to check ourselves, especially this winter. We need to help each other, especially those who aren't as privileged as we are blessed to be. Drop off some extra winter clothing to your local homeless shelters instead of thrift stores. We all know Good Will is filled with college students buying extra flannel, and as a millennial who is guilty of that very thing, I can honestly say we do not need a seventh one hanging in the back of our closets.

Just because the weather is cold does not mean our hearts have to be.