Small businesses are at the heart of local communities. What better way to celebrate the diversity, uniqueness and creativity of independent, local businesses than by supporting them during the busiest shopping season of the year?

Shops in local towns offer many gift ideas that are one-of-a-kind and generally feature a local flair, as independent businesses tend to offer products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve.

They also offer quality customer service because they meet shoppers face to face. "Shopping local directly impacts the communities in which we live and supports families in our area," said Jenny Alexander of the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC). "Keeping local businesses strong helps to create a vibrant business district instead of empty storefronts."

Additionally, local shops support the communities in which they are situated. Independent stores often purchase ads in school programs, donate prizes to church silent auctions and sponsor Little League teams. "These are the businesses that support our local charities, sports teams and community groups," Alexander added.

PAC and the Parkesburg Area Business Association (PABA) are two local organizations that support small businesses in the community. PABA publishes a directory of local businesses, which is available at local stores. There is also an online directory at http://www.paba-pa.org. The directory, which is free of charge to pick up, contains information about more than 100 businesses. In addition to Parkesburg businesses, other listings in the directory are from Cochranville, Gap and Coatesville.

"If you have a job to be done, see our PABA member directory first and shop local," said PABA member Gina Rodkey.

Both Lancaster County's and Chester County's economies are driven by small, local businesses. According to data from EDC Lancaster County, the county is home to more than 13,000 businesses, 97% of which have fewer than 100 employees. In Chester County, small businesses account for 99.7% of its business establishments. Chester County was recently ranked fourth in Pennsylvania with more than 14,500 small business establishments.

As Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday approach, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for sales on local social media. People should research sales and inventories of local businesses that they want to support so that they are ready to go once the sales launch.

Holiday shoppers should consider purchasing a gift card from a local business or restaurant. And, while shopping from local retailers, people can dine out at local eateries, whether that means trying a new venue or patronizing an old favorite. Holiday meals and gatherings can also be catered by area restaurants.

Families looking for the perfect tree may want to consider paying a visit to a local tree farm or nursery, where they may also find handcrafted decorations, such as wreaths and garlands, to spruce up their homes for the season.