Don’t look now, but the holiday season is upon us.
Don’t look now, but the holiday season is upon us.
It is in the stores, on television, and the lights will soon blink in our neighborhoods. For most, the holiday season is a time of sharing and community. But for some, it is a time of stress and uncertainty.
So it is terrific to hear good news regarding the season. The Community Pantry, essentially homeless since Christmas of 2005, has found a new facility on San Felipe Road. Just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It has been difficult to find a suitable location, one that allows for the housing of tons of food, and one that is accessible to the community that the pantry serves.
That community is people who need food. The pantry distributes food to the needy with no strings attached. It is currently collecting dried and canned foods for the holiday drive, but also accepts monetary donations.
Community Pantry Executive Director Mary Anne Hughes estimates that the nonprofit feeds between 2,500 and 3,000 people a week. She said the new facility will allow the Pantry to stockpile and distribute food directly from the local site instead of the Veteran’s Memorial Park. Nov. 15 will be the last day the pantry will located in the park.
This is the busiest time of year for the pantry. As we go about the business of celebrating the holiday season, it is important we remember that others less fortunate could use some help, and that organizations like Community Pantry make it easy for us to help out.
“This is just step one,” Hughes said. “Please don’t forget about us.”
To donate or volunteer for the Community Pantry, call 637-0340.
