I would be remiss if I didn’t begin this update by thanking the amazing group of people who came together this season to meet a need in our communities. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce set out with the goal of providing a holiday meal to 130 Franklin County families this December. Last year, with tremendous support from area businesses, individuals, and numerous volunteers, the program helped 110 families come together over a warm meal for the holidays. With a community like Franklin County behind it, the Chamber was confident that it could reach even more people during this holiday season.

We were overjoyed with the amount of community support we received. Our goal seemed ambitious, but we knew the need was out there, and people rose to the challenge. On December 15, we sent out 135 baskets to families throughout Franklin County and each of the area food pantries. We have already started to receive thank you cards at the Chamber’s Welcome Center, and we wish to extend the gratitude of the program’s recipients with everyone who helped us to have the biggest impact yet with the annual food drive.

With all of the challenges we are facing in our current tough economic times, it is so rewarding to see people collaborating to accomplish something so significant. We had an amazing group of volunteers, wonderful support from Save-a-Lot, Walmart, Hannaford, and Rick’s Market, and a tremendous response from a community that cares about its residents.

We have had a few additional monetary donations come in after the baskets were distributed, and that money will be divided amongst each of the area food pantries to help out with additional supplies.

What is it that compels us to reach out to one another when we see we can make a difference? Whatever we term it, it is what makes us human. It’s a consideration beyond the survival of the fittest, one that slows us down and causes us to imagine how we can help others in their quest for more than just survival. Our compassion leads us to make choices with more than just our personal interests in mind. We can rest assured that our friends and neighbors will be coming together over a warm meal this holiday season.

On behalf of the Chamber, we wish to thank everyone who contributed to the cause.