How To Help Your Community This Holiday Season

We are one month away from Thanksgiving and 2 from Christmas. It's the time of year when we gather with those we love to celebrate. And eat! Unfortunately, there are many who don't have the means to place bountiful meal on their tables.

Well, if there is one thing that makes me proud to live in the Southern Tier, it is the 'neighbors help neighbors' mentality. Many of us don't have a lot of extra money, but somehow we find a way to give a hand up to those who need it.

And we have some great Charities to give us a way to do so. Since the flood, they need your donations more than

The Tioga Rural Minstriy is accepting sign ups, of ow to moderate income families and individuals, for their Holiday Food and Gift Basket Program.  Any Owego resident can sign up through October 31st. And if you'd like to 'adopt' a family for the Holidays, you can do so by the 31st too.

I had the opportunity to adopt a family a couple years ago, and there was no greater joy than seeing their faces when they got to have a Christmas. I did this on my own. I got them a turkey and the trimmings, presents and a tree! I never felt more worthwhile.

The United Way, Salvation Army and Catholic Charities also have similar programs again this year. Because their list is extensive, you can simply call one of these organizations for details (for signing up or adopting a family). You can also dial 211. Sadly, there is no gift program for teens, but you can always do that on your own.

On Thanksgiving Day, you could also help serve dinners at one of several locations.

Binghamton High School from 11:30am to 2 pm
Christ Episcopal Church in Deposit from 11 am to 2 pm
Central UMC in ENdicott at 1 pm
Christ The King Luther Church in Windsor at 12:30 pm
First UMC in Whitney Point at noon.

It's the Season of Giving, so why not?

I will have details next week on my blog about another way to help, with our Food-A-Bago for CHOW.