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The need is great
With the rising costs of food, fuel, and taxes that are converging with an economy in decline, the need for some in the Pascack Valley is now greater than ever.
The Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale (see cover story) is reporting all time highs in its number of clients – all time highs to go along with a decrease in donations.
One of the greatest things about residents in the Pascack Valley is how sensitive they are to the needs of the community. One of the greatest parts about working for the community newspaper is having the opportunity to talk to and write about the people who give so much of themselves on a daily basis.
While many families who used to donate to food pantries in the Pascack Valley may no longer be able to, there are certainly more who can and have not. In truth, it doesn’t take much. Imagine if everyone who went shopping picked up one extra box of cereal, one jar of peanut butter, one box of rice. The food pantries would have more than 20,000 items of food donated to them on a weekly basis; the collection bins would be overflowing.
Of course, this argument has been used by the blood banks for years, and 100 percent participation is not a realistic goal. But we all have to shop. Next time you’re in a store and picking up a bottle of ketchup, just get one extra. Next time you get peanut butter and jelly, pick up an extra jar of each.
Most of us in the Pascack Valley live with at least some luxuries that we can do without. If we all cut out just one or two indulgences a week, we’d all have something to give to those who need it the most.
For everything that every wonderful person does in this community for others, it would be a shame if we couldn’t help a few more hungry families; families who live in our community; families who would give to each and every one of us if they could.
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