Rarely has there been so much widespread heartache at the loss of basic comforts for families, and as compelling a call for those able to help them.

The fact that so many have heard that call, in small and large ways, provides a measure of comfort in itself.

This Thanksgiving, Hawaii is looking toward the end of a 2018 that brought more than the usual share of turmoil.

Early in the year, heaving flooding and mudslides affecting Kauai and parts of Oahu in particular, but then there were hurricane threats that, in addition to storm damage, nearly forced the evacuation of Lahaina due to brush fires fanned by high winds.

Above all, the eruption of Kilauea’s Pu‘u O‘o vent destroyed about 700 Big Island homes and displaced many more families, at least for a time. These are people who felt the loss of a home’s physical and emotional comfort and who, to a large extent, are still in the midst of upheaval.

Even more frightful than the island experience of the past year have been the wildfires that have afflicted California, leaving horrible tragedies in their wake. The losses have been unspeakable, and the tally of the newly homeless is still being taken.

It’s hard to be without basic needs at any time, but it’s especially difficult at the holidays, when special meals in a familiar place is at the heart of the season.

Having that certainly is something for which the rest of Hawaii’s residents should feel thankful. And witnessing such difficulties clarifies how much we should appreciate what we have.

For those who have watched these events from a distance, there is an even greater reason this year to express that gratitude through generosity to those who are struggling. What’s inspirational in these troubled times have been the stories of those reaching out instinctively to help.

There are the charities that have raised money for families or gathered goods and food to share. Churches have offered their properties; businesses have pitched in with assists, even providing building materials to create new “tiny homes” for the families of the Puna district.

At this time of year, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser always works to drive donations to the Good Neighbor Fund, which this year is expected to serve 750 families (see box). These gifts can benefit anyone in need, the long-term homeless as well as those dealt a setback from the natural disasters of 2018.

The past year may have seemed exceptional, but the sad truth is that it may become more typical than we now expect. The evidence mounts: Climate change has altered weather patterns in ways that will make “extremes” more common. Droughts will leave more areas prone to fire. Storms will continue to occur with increasing intensity, with devastating effects.

That means we will all need to tap into our sense of kokua and community responsibility, and do so as a rule, not as an exception.

The good news: Hawaii does have those reserves of good will that are so crucial. It’s one more reason we can be thankful for living where showing aloha is instinctual and habitual. Amidst all our problems and our lapses, that standard is still held high.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

HOW TO HELP

There are many ways to give through the Star-Advertiser Good Neighbor Fund.

>> At the bank: Donations are accepted at First Hawaiian Bank locations through Dec. 31.

>> Online: Go to helpinghandshawaii.org and click on the “donate now” button to make a gift via PayPal. Specify “Good Neighbor Fund.”

>> By mail: Mail check payable to “Good Neighbor Fund” to Helping Hands Hawaii, 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Attention: Good Neighbor Fund.

>> Donations of goods: Drop off at the address above.

>> Call: 440-3800