Food donations are much appreciated

Every year, people are asked to give for the holidays and there is an increase in food supplies as people open their hearts a little wider for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But people need to eat all year.

I lost my job three months ago and I have had to go to local food banks to keep myself and my two children fed. Imagine trying to feed yourself on $5 a day, or $150 a month or a family of three on $15 a day.

Food collection points should be kept year-round at local stores. That would be a visible reminder to people year-round.

This year, let’s do it differently. Most people will shop at least once a week. If each person donated a can of good soup (on sale a lot), a can of chili, (also on sale a lot) and a can of condensed milk, it would cost about $5. When you see that donation container in the grocery store, please drop in one can of chicken noodle soup, at least. It’s only $1.25.

Here’s another idea: buy a $5, $10 or $25 gift card and send it to a local church. Churches will give them to the needy and they can be used to purchase perishables such as milk and fresh vegetables. Churches are one of the first places people go to get help. It would be great if utility companies could offer gift cards so people can buy them and donate them through churches to the needy. Or purchase and donate a phone card.

I have a job now; I make $8.50 per hour, 40 hours per week. But it is not enough for me and my two children. Until I can find a second job, or a better job, I will be using the local food bank.

Thank you for being so kind to me by donating food. I hope I won’t have to rely on your generosity much longer and soon will be able to become a donor once again.

Sarah Perrin