Growing up, my neighborhood church did
what it could to help those in need. Around the holidays a soup kitchen was set
up to ensure no one went hungry. Participating in the distribution truly opened
my eyes to the impact one’s generosity could have on another’s life.
I’ve also volunteered to help deliver
food for the Meals on Wheels program when I was younger. This is a great organization. The elderly appreciate receiving a meal as well as seeing a friendly face.
The number of children and seniors going
hungry throughout this country is astounding. I don’t want to be “Debbie Downer”
in this post. I merely want to help the hosts, Tina Downey and MJ Joachim, of
this Holiday Food Drive Blogfest bring attention to the shortage at food banks
across the nation this year.
Many of the individuals and families that
receive meals from food pantries and food banks don’t qualify for government
assistance such as W.I.C. or food stamps, yet are barely surviving.
For the past two years, I’ve donated
money instead of my time because it’s easier. As my children get older, my
husband and I plan to involve them in our charitable activities.
If you’re interested in helping out, I
recommend donating food or your time to a local food pantry. Pantries usually
have to purchase their food from a larger food bank, so if you donate to them
directly, you cut out the middle man while saving a soup kitchen some money.
To find a food pantry in your area,
simply click HERE.
You can also check out Feeding America, a
national food bank with local chapters throughout the country.