CHRISTMAS IS THE SEASON FOR GIVING BACK!


As I said a few weeks ago I am avoiding writing about politics and spending my time with this column focusing on the many positives things about our community. It is the Christmas Season and we as a community need to give of our resources and ourselves.

My family and I do our best at this time of year to think of others whose lives could use a little help. We have done our best to train our children, and now our grand child, that when you are blessed, you should give back.

Enfield has in its town, places that offer you and me the wonderful opportunity to bless others. Two such places are the Enfield food Shelf and Loaves and Fishes.

In the past many people, businesses and churches have responded to the urgent need of giving food to these great organizations. The church I Pastor, Cornerstone Church, has been involved in serving at the Soup Kitchen and collecting food for the Food Shelf.

Last week I spoke to the Director of the Enfield Food Shelf, Linda Bridge, about what is needed for the holiday season. It comes down to one word “Donations.”

First, the Enfield Food Shelf gave out 337 food baskets for the Thanksgiving holiday. They expect the same or even more families seeking assistance as Christmas rolls around.

On Monday, December 18th, the Food Shelf will be handing out Christmas food baskets. That means that you and I have until the weekend of the 16th to donate items. Along with their regular hours of Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00AM to 5:00 PM, the Enfield Food Shelf will be open to receive food and monetary donations on Saturday and Sunday (December 16 & 17) from 1-3 PM.

Food items needed are Turkeys, canned goods, Pancake mix and syrup, fresh produce (brought that weekend) and of course financial donations. Items can be brought to 96 Alden Avenue in Enfield.

Now, it also takes people to handle this great endeavor. Volunteers are always needed, and at Christmas it is even more vital to getting the job done. If you have time call Linda at 860-741-7321 to offer your time.

The character of any community is always measured by how we give. When we have had national disasters, like Katrina, we have responded immediately to help those people.

Now, we need to think local. There are families having a rough time making it through the holiday season. We can make a difference.

Therefore, here is my suggestion. Let’s do something I want to call “Bag It”. If everyone reading this article would fill at least one bag of groceries and bring it down to the Enfield Food Shelf, we could not only meet the holiday need, but we could stack the shelves with food for the winter months.

How about this idea. Next time you go grocery shopping, buy an extra of every can good that you buy for your family and donate it to the Food Shelf or Soup Kitchen.

If everyone does a little, it will add up to a lot.

I have a prayer I pray at this time of year. It’s simply say’s “God, may our prayers be matched by our action.” Let that be our community prayer.
Greg Stokes