The Season Of Giving - Editorial
The holiday season has arrived, with the official start of winter not far behind. And if the Old Farmer’s Almanac is to be believed, it’s going to be a harsh winter here in New England.
Cold, wintery weather receives mixed greetings around here. Some call it bracing, exhilarating, even refreshing. Others are not so happy about it. As if the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, now come the icy sidewalks, slick driving conditions and wind chill. They would much rather retreat indoors and crank up the heat.
But for some, turning up the heat isn’t an option.
Too many families here in Bourne live on the edge of financial instability. A big heating bill might mean they have to forgo paying other bills or even skipping groceries for the week.
Food insecurity is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence for families living in Massachusetts today. Recent data analyzed by Project Bread, a food assistance organization working across the commonwealth, show that food insecurity in the Bay State is inching closer to the pandemic peak we saw in the spring of 2020. As of September, nearly 22 percent of the state’s households with children are facing food insecurity.
That’s a lot of stress and anxiety. There is help out there, though.
The Bourne Friends Food Pantry in Pocasset can lend a caring hand during hard times. Part of the Friends of Bourne Council on Aging, the nonprofit organization helps the residents of Bourne by providing assistance and resources to those facing food insecurity and/or financial hardship.
When times are tough, a little help can go a long way. Relief from the grocery bill can mean a great deal to the family juggling expenses, and that is exactly what the Friends Food Pantry is there for.
The number of people the pantry helps each year is impressive. Most years, it provides thousands of bags of food and basic necessities to more than 400 local families. This winter, we expect there to be an even greater demand for help.
In the spirit of giving as we kick off this holiday season, we thought it important to highlight this great organization that works hard year-round to provide for Bourne’s families. Donations can be made anytime online or via mail to Bourne Friends Food Pantry, PO Box 144, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. The organization is always looking for additional volunteers, more information for which can be found on its website (www.friendsofbournecoa.org).
Residents will also have the opportunity to support the food pantry’s mission during Bourne’s annual Homeless for the Holidays fundraiser, which kicks off its 22nd year in less than two weeks. The event will take place at the Bay Motor Inn in Buzzards Bay from December 6 to 10 and will accept monetary donations, new and unwrapped toys, and nonperishable food items.
Please, consider giving this holiday season. A small donation can make a big difference when a family is pushed to the financial edge.