Find ways to give this year

Letter from the editor

I broke out Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas music last week, which is a sure sign the holiday season is upon us.

To me, December is not complete without big band Christmas carols, homemade cookies and, of course, presents.

I'm reminded that especially this year many people in the Valley may not be able to have those experiences or have much to celebrate.

Demand is up at the Bigfork Food Pantry – nearly double what it has been in previous years.

In Lakeside, the West Shore Food Bank has a growing list of more than 150 children who would go without presents this Christmas if it weren't for their Toys for Kids program.

They've also seen food demands grow by more than 40 percent.

With the unemployment rate what it is, it's hard for some to find joy, even in the holidays.

For those of us who have plenty this season, our donations, encouragement and support are in greater need and there are plenty of ways to provide it.

Look at what the LEAP program and volunteers from Crossroads Christian Fellowship did with the help of a monetary donation and offering up their time last week. They were able to provide a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to more than 75 people in the area.

The food banks also did their part, each distributing 80 to 150 baskets with all the trimmings for a turkey feast. This came with the help of people like an anonymous Bigfork woman who donated all of the turkeys and hams for the baskets.

And, as the students at Swan River School found out recently, it doesn't take much from your wallet to help out. With their spare change, they were able to feed seven families for Thanksgiving.

These families in our community that are in need face these same challenges all year long. It's only especially apparent around the holidays, when there may not be a large meal or presents.

For those who can, as you start making your shopping list this year, think about your blessings and if there is someone extra you can give to. That's a start, but also think about ways to help your neighbors in need throughout the rest of the year.

-Jasmine Linabary