By: Lexy French
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving.
There are opportunities locally to give back to the community and those in need during the holidays.
Local non – profits and organizations need contributions during the season. Giving back usually includes donating time, items, money, and food.
Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Campus Food pantry uses financial and physical donations to provide food for clients. Some may not have the resources to provide a traditional holiday meal. The pantry’s chair, Kolton Long, said Full Circle Food Pantry provides festive food items for clients to enjoy.
“We have Christmas baskets, and we are doing our Thanksgiving baskets right now,” Long said. “We gather various Thanksgiving foods for our clients, who might not have the resources to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal.”
For some, holidays include extravagant meals and gift-giving. Others may struggle to provide items associated with the season. Long said pressure surrounding this time might cause the need for food to rise.
“Surrounding the holidays, there is a societal pressure to give gifts and have these crazy meals, so I think there is definitely more of a need,” Long said.
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank serves the community by providing food for those in need. Hunger is a year-long need, and contributions are necessary throughout the year. The food bank’s marketing and communications director, Julie Damer, said food is needed by 65,000 people daily in the region.
Physical donations are not being accepted due to COVID – 19, but other ways of giving are essential to serving the community.
“Every 1$ donated can provide up to 10 meals for those in need in the Northwest Arkansas region,” Damer said.
40/29 TV Is hosting their annual Turkey Drive this Friday. The event helps secure enough turkeys and sides for the NWA Food Bank clients. Donations for the drive can be made at 40/29 TV’s website.
The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas offers multiple opportunities to give back to others during the holidays. The organization’s website provides information about getting involved with the Angel Tree initiative, bell ringing, and other donations. This year the Salvation Army is offering opportunities virtually and in – person.
Donating to 7hills Homeless Center is another way to give back. The center’s Warm Coat Drive takes place through November 24. Sweaters, jackets, hats, and blankets are items needed and can be dropped off at campus locations.
There are many local opportunities to give back this holiday season. Contributions are necessary year-round, but giving is an essential part of getting in the spirit. Long said, There are more ways than making donations to get involved.
“People may not have the resources to give financially or physically, so I think a great way to get involved is by volunteering.”