The Cupboard Is Bare

Every year, the New York Times runs a special Giving section in its newspaper just before the holiday season. Usually, this section focuses on all the good being done in the world by various charitable organizations. But this year, the focus was on the need. You see, in trying economic times like these, many people cut back their giving to charities like Feed The Children. But the irony is, we need that support now more than ever.

Every day more and more calls are pouring in for help. Directors of food pantries and shelters and even church pastors are pleading for us to send our trucks their way. In the past four months demand for food aid has risen 20 percent in areas with the healthiest economies and more than 40 percent in the areas with the weakest. Tragically, this means that the cupboard is bare before all the hungry can be fed. Caring volunteers are forced to turn away hungry families, telling them there’s no food left.

And it’s not just the unemployed who are looking for help. More and more we’re seeing working moms and dads struggling to make ends meets because their wages aren’t keeping up with the rising costs of living.

I just hope that those who are still blessed with a good job and a roof over their heads won’t forget about all those who need our help. During these trying times, it’s more important than ever to reach out to these hurting children and families with good food –and something to hope for!