As we check off our shopping lists and plan festivities for the holiday season, consider making it tradition to give thanks by giving to others.

While the holidays are a time to celebrate, many families in our community do not know where their next meal will come from. Food For Thought Outreach serves over 20,000 meals to families over the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

This year, Food for Thought plans to help at least 600 families over the holidays and anticipates increased requests for services as Christmas draws nearer and displaced families need food assistance.

“The holidays can be very stressful for a family that can’t always put enough food on the table,” said Tiffanie Nelson, Founder & Executive Director of Food For Thought. “We try to relieve the stress on families. It really has become such a community effort and we couldn’t do it alone.”

This holiday season there are a few ways you can help Food for Thought:

• – Sponsor a Family for the Holidays with a $30 donation
• – Stock the Stocking
• – Bring Donations to their Pantry.

You can help with their “Thanks and Giving” distribution by bringing prepared side dishes or desserts to the HOPE Panhandle warehouse on Monday, November 19, between 9 am and 3 pm. Donations of canned goods are also welcomed. For more information visit their website.

And with Christmas right around the corner, The HOPE Panhandle’s toy drive is also in full swing. In Walton County, look for bins at schools, churches and grocery stores to drop off new toys, pajamas, and jackets. The last day to collect locally is December 8th.

Please do consider donating to your neighbors in the coming weeks. Small gestures make big impacts and will become great family traditions.

To learn more about all the ways to help or volunteer, visit: Hope Panhandle and Food for Thought.

SARAH MURPHY ROBERTSON was born and raised in Ohio, met her husband in Atlanta, and they have one son, Reid. The Robertson trio moved to Santa Rosa Beach in March of 2011 and since their cars have sand in them year round feel certain this officially makes them locals. Sarah is a writer and editor and loves words something fierce.