We are coming into the season of giving — OK, it’s the season of shopping too, but generally with the intent of giving.
While you’re out, we’d kind of like a solution to homelessness, poverty and crime, if it’s not too much to ask.
That might be a bit large of a request, but we can all lend a hand. Because this is also the season food banks are working their hardest to stock their shelves.
Most of us see Christmas as a time of abundance: turkey dinner, presents under the tree for everyone. For many, that’s just a dream reflected in the more than 700 Christmas hampers the Penticton Food Bank gave out last year.
Charles Dickens wrote that it is at Christmas that want is most keenly felt. It’s been 175 years since Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, but his words remain true to this day.
But that doesn’t mean the needy have to suffer through Christmas without hope.
As you’re considering whether you should buy Uncle Jack that sweater with the reindeer and flashing lights, spare a thought for those that may be choosing between paying the electricity bill or putting food on the table, much less buying joke presents.
For many, this message is preaching to the choir. But many hands make light work — the more people that make a point of giving, the more the responsibility is spread out amongst the community.
There are many ways to give besides a donation of food or money. Time is also something desperately needed by charitable organizations. In the case of the food bank volunteers are needed to help with the hamper packing, but there are others, like the annual kettle campaign, that desperately need people to volunteer their time.
As the holiday season hustle and bustle begins, take a little time out and remember there are many people, from seniors struggling on a fixed income to single parents and families, who won’t have a holiday filled with light and warmth is we don’t all lend a hand.