Soon it will be time for families and friends to gather for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Warm meals of turkey, dressing, cornbread, sweet potatoes, pies and casseroles will be made with love for all those who come together to celebrate the holiday season.

But what about those who cannot afford to feed their families on a day-to-day basis, and are unable to prepare holiday meals to enjoy with loved ones?

Luckily, Lafayette County has an organization that provides food for needy families in our area.

The Pantry is a local food bank that has provided groceries for hundreds of individuals and families who meet the requirements to become a client. The bank has a room that is set up much like a grocery store, which allows clients to shop for the food they like to eat and cook with, and also has volunteers who will deliver items to homebound clients.

The organization accepts donations year-round, but typically receives the most food around the holiday season. Oftentimes, donations received throughout the holiday season keep the Pantry stocked for the months following Christmas.

While it is important for the L-O-U community to come together to support our local food bank year-round, it is critical to support it during the holiday season. As responsible and dedicated residents, it is our job to ensure all those living in our area have enough nourishment to eat and live by. One donation — no matter how large or small — could bring cheer back into a family or even save the life of another.

Ensure the Pantry has the same amount or more food this year by planning your donation — monetary or canned food — so all Lafayette County families can enjoy a warm meal together and have full stomachs over the holidays.

If you are unsure what to donate, call the Pantry at 662-832-8001 and ask them what they need or if they are running low on any items. Better yet, ask them how you can give your time over the season by delivering items to homebound clients or working at the Pantry during shopping hours.

This season, let’s remember what the holidays are really about and make sure all of our friends and neighbors in Lafayette County are fed this Thanksgiving and Christmas.