Editorial: Donations needed during the holiday season

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about those who are less fortunate during the holiday season in the Whitehall area.

A profound help to those in need would be donating money through a Town Pump statewide food drive, or via a direct donation of food or money to the Whitehall Food Pantry.

Town Pump is hoping to raise $3 million throughout the state and will match up to $3,500 on behalf of the Whitehall Food Pantry. This is a tremendous campaign that really does make a difference not only during the holiday season, but also helps keep food banks and pantry’s operational during the year.

I would encourage everyone who stops at Town Pump to get some gas, lunch, or a snack, to donate a few dollars. It is money that will go right back to the community.

A direct donation to the pantry is also very beneficial throughout the year, especially during the winter months.

Local resident Mikel Kelley recently donated a large amount of canned foods that were raised during a charity softball tournament. This kind gesture was not only a positive example about our community; it was needed to keep the shelves stocked.

If a large number of local residents are able to pitch in during the next few months, it will help to put food on the table for those who need it.

I cannot say enough about the importance of food banks and I applaud not only those who donate, but the volunteers that put in the time to keep them going.

Food banks also work hard during the holiday season to give people turkeys and other items for a larger meal so they can have a really great day.

The Town Pump campaign will run until November 30 and donations can also be sent directly to the local pantry at PO Box 266 in Whitehall.

JHS