The holiday shopping season officially kicked off with Black Friday, weekend deals and craft fairs, igniting the rush to stuff stockings and wrap gifts.During the weeks leading up to Christmas, when residents are making their lists and checking them twice, shoppers should check local stores before heading out of town.Park County merchants offer gift options at competitive prices — and it doesn't take a tank of gas to get there.Money spent locally benefits residents in a variety of ways. One doesn't have to look far to see a story of local businesses helping community members. Last summer, merchants helped fund the Babe Ruth All-Stars baseball team's regional title quest after they won the state championship. Each year, local 4-H youth win big with local support during the Junior Livestock Sale. Whenever crises arise, businesses donate to fundraising efforts, whether it's aiding a neighbor struggling with a disease or helping a family in need during the holidays.Shopping locally ensures businesses will survive so they can continue contributing to the community's well-being.About six months ago, a Tribune editorial highlighted The 3/50 Project, a nationwide movement that challenges shoppers to spend $50 a month among three local stores.According to the project's Web site, for every $100 spent at local shops, $68 remains in the community, compared to $43 in national chain stores. Spend that $100 online, and none of it benefits the local economy.Budgets are tighter this holiday season, but when shopping, think of the gift you can give the community by keeping purchases local.

The holiday shopping season officially kicked off with Black Friday, weekend deals and craft fairs, igniting the rush to stuff stockings and wrap gifts.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, when residents are making their lists and checking them twice, shoppers should check local stores before heading out of town.

Park County merchants offer gift options at competitive prices — and it doesn't take a tank of gas to get there.

Money spent locally benefits residents in a variety of ways. One doesn't have to look far to see a story of local businesses helping community members.

Last summer, merchants helped fund the Babe Ruth All-Stars baseball team's regional title quest after they won the state championship. Each year, local 4-H youth win big with local support during the Junior Livestock Sale. Whenever crises arise, businesses donate to fundraising efforts, whether it's aiding a neighbor struggling with a disease or helping a family in need during the holidays.

Shopping locally ensures businesses will survive so they can continue contributing to the community's well-being.

About six months ago, a Tribune editorial highlighted The 3/50 Project, a nationwide movement that challenges shoppers to spend $50 a month among three local stores.

According to the project's Web site, for every $100 spent at local shops, $68 remains in the community, compared to $43 in national chain stores. Spend that $100 online, and none of it benefits the local economy.

Budgets are tighter this holiday season, but when shopping, think of the gift you can give the community by keeping purchases local.