Christmastime is a wonderful time of the year not only because it brings families together but also because it brings our politicians together to lobby for a good cause.

The main message conveyed by the President, the Prime Minister, the Archbishop, the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday evening, during the Milied Flimkien event, was one of love, altruism and solidarity.

Solidarity in the form of monetary donations is certainly not lacking during Christmastime in Malta. Millions are raised every year during the l-Istrina and Dar tal-Providenza telethons, which are aptly referred to as 'feasts of generosity.'

The moneys collected are put to good use by both the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which mainly helps those receiving treatment for serious diseases and helps their families go through a very hard time, and Dar tal-Providenza, which for years has been caring for severely disabled persons.

Many of us give donations every year, some giving more than others. This is all well and good and the practice should not stop. Giving a donation might mean missing out on one restaurant meal for one person but it might make a huge difference to another, less unfortunate individual.

But there are other ways in which we can help. Less expensive ways. In fact, they cost nothing at all. We are speaking of course about organ donation. During Milied Flimkien, students from the Santa Lucija secondary school spoke about the importance of organ donation, and the difference we can make to other individuals even after we die.

This newspaper is informed that so far, some 14,500 people have registered as organ donors. The scheme was launched two years ago. We believe that we, as a nation, can do much better than this and we urge all of our readers to at least consider registering as organ donors. There is nothing to lose, but others could have a lot to gain from a simple act of selflessness.

One organ donor can save up to eight lives. The same donor can also save or improve the lives of up to 50 persons by donating tissues. It is believed that over 400 individuals have benefitted from organ donation in Malta over the last 30 years.

There is, of course, another important way in which we can be altruistic - blood donation. Unfortunately, blood stocks at the blood bank remain critically low, with a new appeal being made only two days ago.

The National Transfusion Centre said Wednesday that blood reserves need to be replenished as soon as possible. This, it said, is in everyone's interest especially in view of the Christmas festivities when it is imperative for the Blood Bank to have a good reserve of blood.

The service said there are hundreds of patients being operated upon in hospitals in Malta and Gozo or receiving treatment for cancer who require blood transfusions.

All types of blood are needed.

So this Christmas, apart from all the gifts you have purchased for your loved ones, and apart from the donation you might be planning to give to l-Istrina or Dar tal-Providenza, please also consider registering as an organ donor and try to find time to donate blood. And convince your loved ones to do the same.

Someone else's life might depend on it.