Holiday Handoff 

November and December hold the joy of the holiday season. This is a time for warm lights, festive gatherings, and the promise of a celebratory meal. Yet, as our own tables fill, it’s a crucial moment to pause and recognize that this season of abundance is a time of increased anxiety for many in our community. Hunger doesn’t take a holiday, and the simple act of contributing to a local food drive is a profound expression of community and compassion.

Organizations work tirelessly to create safe and helpful places. The holidays put pressure on these groups to stay positive. Families who are already stretching tight budgets face the added expense of colder weather, school breaks, and the cultural expectation of providing a special holiday feast. For a student in this community, participating in a food drive is a helpful and pleasing action. Volunteering is non-stop and accessible to everyone. 

People think of giving as a grand gesture, but the true impact of a food drive is sharing something that you have but others may not.  A single can of tuna, a box of instant oatmeal, or a jar of peanut butter may seem insignificant on its own, but it makes a difference to the people receiving it. Food banks, especially during the rush of the holidays, thrive on donations. Remember to check expiration dates and prioritize items that offer high nutritional value if donating. 

To make the biggest impact this holiday season, we need to focus our efforts on the specific needs of local Littleton-area partners. Reaching out to organizations like Open Arms Food Bank, Life Center Littleton, and the Julia Greeley Outreach Center shows us that while canned soup is always welcome, there is a year-round demand for other key items. This season, they often run low on things that won’t always be expected, such as… 

• Pantry Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken, and beans (black, pinto, kidney).
• Breakfast Staples: Oatmeal, pancake mix, and syrup.
• Holiday Helpers: Non-perishable items that make a festive meal special, such as gravy packets, instant mashed potatoes, cake mixes, and canned pumpkin.
• Essentials: Diapers, hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste), and toilet paper are always needed but rarely donated.

Whether we are dropping off items at a collection bin, volunteering to sort donations, or spearheading a drive in our own neighborhood, it makes a difference. It requires both action and organization. 

Drop-Off Places

A full plate on Thanksgiving and a festive dinner on Christmas are privileges we should work to share. By fueling the Littleton food drives, we are not just supplying groceries; we are contributing to the peace of mind of a struggling parent and the joy of a child. We are ensuring that the promise of warmth, community, and hope is guaranteed this holiday season.