Giving Back to the Community

Ever since I received a phone call from the Washington Township School District regarding the emergency food drive, I have struggled to relieve my mind of this issue.  It is truly a travesty to hear that families in our community, our neighbors are going hungry and partially because we are not doing our job as members of our community.  The summer time is hectic and it is easy to fall out of a routine. I am guilty of it, as I am sure many if you reading this are too.

As I was shopping for our food pantry yesterday, I threw a big bag of peanut M&M’s in my cart. (These M&M’s were for me, not the food pantry.) As I continued my food shopping, I thought about that bag of M&M’s and how I did not need it but that I simply just wanted it. So, I turned my cart around and brought those M&M’s back to its proper location. I realized this bag of candy cost $4.99.  I thought to myself, wow, I cannot believe how expensive this bag of candy is and how my wallet and my waistline will be happy I put the bag back. I then thought, if I was going to spend 5 bucks on candy (without thinking twice about it), then I shouldn’t think twice about spending $5 on everyday essentials my neighbors and yours need at this time.

Over the last two days I have thought of a few ways in which we can all make giving back to our community part of our routine all year long, so our town’s pantry does not go bare and our friends are not left hungry.

Here are a few ways in which you can help:

*Every time you go to the grocery store pick up an extra box of something such as pasta, rice or tuna fish. These items are often on sale and less than a dollar each. At the end of each month bring your collection to the food pantry.

*For go your skinny vanilla latte or your large iced coffee one day a week each week and use that money towards purchasing food for your local town pantry. Over the course of a month, you could purchase $15-$20 worth of necessities just by sacrificing one of your luxuries.

*Instead of taking your kids out for ice cream, take them to the grocery store and give them a budget- make a game out of it. Whether the allotted amount is $5 or $20, see who can get the most amount of necessary items for the least amount of money. Then have your family bring the donation to the food pantry and drop off your contributions together. This can help kids feel good about themselves as well as teach them the importance of helping others.

I hope that you will find that some of these ideas suit you and your family. If not there are many other ways in which you can contribute or if you have other ideas please share them. No matter how big or how small your donation may be, always remember that every little bit helps. The reward of helping out others in need is priceless.