Giving in this Season of Giving

By Karl Thompson

As the holidays approach, many of us will be busy shopping the perfect gift for loved ones as carolers sing season favorites at area malls, and colorful lighting decorates the streets of our neighborhoods.

In all the festivities, it is easy to think there are few people in need around us; yet, that is not the case, especially during these difficult economic times.

Nearly 8,000 adults in Placer County are struggling to put food on table, according to the California Food Policy Advocates. The organization, which is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of low-income Californians, recently published a new policy brief by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

"With the economy still in a slump, many families are grappling with difficult choices: 'Do I pay the bills or buy food to feed my children?'" said study co-author Gail Harrison, a faculty associate at the Center for Health Policy Research and a professor at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health. "In a state that is the nation’s breadbasket, it's sad to see that so many people don't know where their next meal is coming from."

Most of us tend to view Placer County as an affluent community with gated communities and upscale shopping centers, but according to the 2010 Placer County Nutrition and Food Insecurity report, 41.3% of Placer County adults live in food insecure households.

According to numbers contributed from the U.S. Census Bureau in its last census, 22,873 Placer adults and 5,579 children live at or below the federal poverty guidelines.

The Social Concerns Committee of St Clare Catholic Church is taking action and reaching out to help our community by collecting non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys, and gently worn coats and jackets of all sizes for its 2^nd Annual “Holiday Drive for the Needy.”

The committee has identified 250 area families representing over 1000 children in need of holiday food baskets throughout the Roseville, Rocklin and Antelope communities. These numbers reflect only a portion of our community’s families in need.

These families may be your neighbors.

Last year, one Placer County family received help from a local aid effort after both the husband and wife saw a reduction in income from fewer hours on their jobs. Today, both h ave full time jobs. This year they will be giving back - and helping people in the community in their time of need. 

So as this special time of year approaches, let’s all take a moment to slow down and look for ways to give to those in need. Perhaps, you know a single mother who could benefit from some financial assistance, or a senior citizen who would be thrilled to join your family to an annual holiday performance, or a sit-down meal. We need not look too far to find someone who is in need – and create a different holiday for them.

People helping people one family at a time, together we truly can make a difference.

To get involved with this effort, call Bill Durborough at 916-865-5424, or email Karl Thompson at: thethompsongroup@ssctv.net

Karl Thompson

Karl Thompson serves as the Chair for St Clare Church’s “Holiday Drive for the Needy.”

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net