Widely accepted as the time for giving, the holiday season brings out the best in people. For many Americans, the month of December elicits more giving in general — not only to friends and family, but to charities as well.

According to Blackbaud’s 2012 Charitable Giving Report, more than a third of all charitable giving occurs during last three months of the year. Additionally, nearly 18 percent of donations happen in December. Religious organizations also give back and engage with their communities more during this time. That, coupled with the clustering of holidays, contributes to an overall increase in religious activity.

With these attributes in mind, the analysts at FindTheHome and FindTheCompany used data from Dun and Bradstreet to create a Holiday Spirit Index and rank the top ten holiday cities in the U.S. This index factors in the number of religious organizations and the number of charitable organizations per 10,000 people in each city. The cities on this list have the highest Holiday Spirit Index scores of their respective states.

#10. Virginia: Danville

Population: 42,996
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Helping Hands Thrift Store

Lend a helping hand by volunteering your time, or by donating clothing, furniture or other resellable items to the Helping Hands Thrift Store. This social outreach group is committed to helping those in need.

#9. Alabama: Bessemer

Population: 27,336
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: The Foundry

The Foundry in Bessemer is a rescue mission and recovery center that welcomes not only financial gifts, but your volunteer time. Become a member to participate in the mission's events and outreach teams.

#8. Texas: DeSoto

Population: 50,014
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: African American Repertory Theater

As a showcase for talented, local black actors, musicians and other members of the performing arts, only 40 percent of AART's operating costs are covered by ticket sales. Consider making a monetary donation to allow this repertory company to keep producing the highest quality theater experience in DeSoto.

#7. Delaware: Wilmington

Population: 71,143
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Kind to Kids Foundation

Kind to Kids Foundation helps children in the foster system who have been victims of abuse and neglect. They provide educational programs, support services, and supplies to help children through difficult times.

#6. Tennessee: Cleveland

Population: 41,898
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: People for Care and Learning

PCL's aims to break the cycle of poverty through its five core areas of 'Sustainable Farming, Build a City, Children's Homes, Common Grounds, and Learning Centers.' Volunteers can sign up to take a trip for a short-term care and learning journey with a PCL team.

#5. California: Beverly Hills

Population: 34,341
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Face Forward

Face Forward works with community leaders nationwide to identify victims of violence and abuse. They then provide services ranging from reconstructive surgery and counseling to housing and job assistance.

#4. Louisiana: Monroe

Population: 49,398
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Oxford House

The Oxford House is a non-profit that helps drug addicts maintain sobriety without relapsing. They have houses in many locations across America.

#3. North Carolina: Goldsboro

Population: 36,110
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: O'Berry Foundation

Community outreach, quality of life grants and charitable events are a few of the efforts made by the O'Berry Center Foundation to assist patients with developmental disabilities. In addition to monetary gifts, you can volunteer with the nonprofit at its annual golf tournament, Light the Night or by becoming a board member.

#2. Rhode Island: Providence

Population: 178,056
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Save the Bay

Save the Bay works to protect the Narragansett Bay's rivers, watersheds and tributaries from pollution. Get involved and sign up to volunteer for a trash cleanup day, swim event, or donate money to strengthen the nonprofit's mission.

#1. Pennsylvania: York

Population: 43,808
Holiday Spirit Index: 80
Notable Organization: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center

The Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center provides access to legal services and education for vulnerable immigrants in detention and in the community.

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