Generosity: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

$The holidays tend to bring out the humanitarian in all of us but it is important to remember that people are in need all year round. The spirit of the holiday season inspires many people to give. Indiana food pantries, soup kitchens and other donation centers see an abundance of assistance and donations around Thanksgiving and Christmas time. However once the decorations come down and people return to their busy lives after holiday breaks, there is a decrease in the amount of donations.

A recent study by Feeding Indiana’s Hungry found that one in six people in the state turn to meal-service programs and food pantries to keep themselves and their families from going hungry. Julio Alonso, the CEO and executive director of Hoosier Hills Food Bank says the amount of food donated in the months of January and February does not match the need. He recognizes that the winter weather makes it difficult for people to get out and donate but insists there are still ways Hoosiers can help. Whether it is providing a financial donation, food, gifts or volunteering your time at a food bank or pantry, you can do your part to reduce the numberĀ of hungry Hoosiers there are, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.