The holiday season is a time for family and friends to come together, celebrate and give thanks. But as we attend parties and prepare to exchange gifts, it’s important to remember those among us who may be less fortunate and could use a helping hand.

Recognizing the ongoing need of many in our community, my office will be teaming up with Great Northern Mall for a food drive in the coming months to benefit the Food Bank of Central New York. You may donate canned goods or other nonperishable food items to this effort, or to other similar efforts taking place in our community. Or, you can even donate your time to help give to those in need of comfort during the holidays at one of the many community organizations that serve the less fortunate and rely on volunteers to do so.

As much as many of us have to be thankful for, the sad truth is that millions of Americans struggle every day to provide sufficient, healthy food for themselves and their families, with an estimated 1 in 6 Americans relying on emergency food assistance. And, among the thousands who depend on charitable food programs in central and northern New York, 30 percent are children under the age of 18.

Around Thanksgiving, food banks across the state are busy providing meals for the families and children who depend on their programs and services. It’s important to note, too, that donations are needed year-round to ensure the less fortunate, as well as working families and people living on a fixed income, can afford to put nutritious food on the table despite the ever-rising costs of housing, heat and other necessities.

To help alleviate this need this winter, I’ll be collecting canned goods and other nonperishable food items throughout the holiday season. Some items to consider donating include:

• canned tuna or vegetables;
• canned or dried beans or fruits;
• pasta, rice and grains;
• oatmeal and cereal;
• peanut butter; and
• soups and stews.

Donations can be dropped off at my office, 7293 Buckley Road, Suite 201, North Syracuse during normal business hours. You can also drop off donations at Great Northern Mall. Or, you can take donations directly to the Food Bank of Central New York at 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, please visit the food bank’s website for more information on all of the opportunities available.

By donating food or your time, you can help make the holiday season a little brighter for our friends and neighbors in need. If you have any questions or concerns about our local food pantries or any community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.