When the cupboards are bare, it’s time for us to step up.

Representatives of both the Salvation Army and the Department of Human Resources shared their plight last week, explaining that food pantries are bare this year … and demand is high.

It’s a problem that is plaguing not just Pike County, but food banks throughout our nation.

As the holiday season draws near, millions of Americans – and hundreds of our neighbors right here in Pike County – will feel the pangs of hunger. Without the resources to provide a plentiful feast for their families – and in some cases without enough money to even feed their families – the holiday prospects are bleak. For elderly and shut-ins, many of whom are often overlooked during the holiday season, plentiful meals are the stuff of fancy.

We believe it’s our responsibility as people of faith, as humans, to help our neighbors. And so we encourage us to do what we can to help this year … whether that be donating a simple can of vegetables to the food banks at the Salvation Army or DHR office, or making a more significant contribution, of food or money. The Salvation Army is located on South Brundidge Street in Troy; the DHR offices are at 717 South Three Notch St.

And, if you’d prefer to give through your church, please do so. Most of the area churches provide direct aid to the poor or needy, at some level, or work with other agencies to ensure food and donations get to those most in need.

Yes, times seem tough for all of us. But, if we stop to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving, we may realize that we have many blessings for which we’re thankful.

And, we can share some small part of those blessings with those less fortunate.