On a hot summer day in a crowded barn, dozens of local businesses bought hogs, lambs, goats, rabbits and steers raised by local youth. In some cases, sales totaled thousands of dollars.

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, hundreds of costume-clad children went trick or treating around downtown businesses, happily collecting gobs of candy.

Throughout the year, local businesses helped support local families struggling with medical bills, children’s sports teams, sportsmen’s groups and various nonprofits that faithfully assist Powell residents facing poverty and other crises.

As we begin the last month of 2014, it’s easy to look back and see the many ways local businesses have supported the Powell community and the people who live here.

When schoolchildren, teams and charities need assistance, they often turn to local business owners, who gladly help out.

Without small businesses, so many fundraising efforts and causes would fall flat.

Now, it’s our turn to help local businesses.

As a community, we will spend thousands of dollars on Christmas gifts this year.

Unfortunately, too much of that spending occurs away from our community — on an online company far removed from Powell or at a major retailer just across the border.

We understand that certain items cannot be purchased locally. But before clicking through online deals or filling the gas tank to drive to Billings, consider seeing what local businesses have to offer. You may be surprised at how much you can buy here and at reasonable prices, too.

Dollars spent locally stay in the local economy. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community, according to the Local First study by Civic Economics. That money goes toward wages, taxes, supplies and donations back into the community. When you support out-of-state retailers, that money does not circulate back into the local economy.

Shopping locally is a way to strengthen our region’s economy, to create more jobs and to give back to our community.

Last weekend, Powell businesses joined Black Friday and the national Small Business Saturday movement, offering deals for local shoppers. This weekend, the annual Country Christmas festivities will bring more holiday shopping opportunities.

Without the support of local consumers, locally owned businesses in Powell and surrounding communities will not survive. We watched a few downtown retailers close their doors this year, and we know others are struggling to stay afloat.

Local businesses make Powell what it is all year long. Remember to support them this holiday season.