What we think: Contribute to the food drive and help your neighbors

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The demand for food and personal item donations is up this year. Recent company layoffs, temporary closures and cutting employee hours can make even basic necessities unaffordable.

Food pantry coordinators said the need is at one of the highest levels it has ever been.

In August alone, the Salvation Army supplied assistance to 168 households, up from an average of about 100 — that’s an increase of almost 60 percent. Community Action Region VI provided about 100 food baskets, up from an average of about 80.

The need is here in our community. When one family suffers, it affects us all.

That’s why the Buffalo Mall is holding its second annual food drive this month. The canned food donations as well as personal items like toilet paper and laundry detergent help families working multiple jobs, single-parent homes or others who find it difficult to make ends meet.

For most families, the assistance is not a regular handout. Many of them are trying to regain enough financial strength to support themselves and their children, said Amy Dunwoody, food pantry coordinator at Community Action.

“It’s hardest to see a family that is really trying and they’re not able to make ends meet,” she said.

The food drive — which lasts until Sept. 30 — is an opportunity to give. Those who already have should be thanked for their efforts. The need however, is not limited to one month. Consider giving to food pantries like the Salvation Army and Community Action this month and throughout the year.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: what we think, flood drive, opinion, editorials, flood, pantry