With Thanksgiving just eight days away, and Christmas a mere 41 days away, most of us are thinking about spending time with family and worrying about picking the right gift for those on our holiday shopping lists.
But for many in our communities, the holiday season is not a time of joy and happiness. They may be facing financial challenges, or they may be stationed thousands of miles away from their families whatever the reason, they face bleak prospects for the upcoming holidays.
But it doesnt have to be that way. There are a myriad ways for people to get involved and help others in our communities, whether its having enough food for a holiday meal or having gifts to put under the tree so that children wont have to go without on Christmas morning.
Residents of Marysville can give to Operation Marysville Community Christmas which collects food for hundreds of families and toys for more than 1,000 children. The annual event kicked off Nov. 3 with an all-city food drive that collected nearly 5,000 pounds of food and $1,200 in cash and gift cards. OMCCs familiar red Giving Barrels have been placed in more than 50 participating stores, businesses, public buildings and places of worship. Those wanting to give to OMCC can drop a donation in one of the Giving Barrels or can drop off their donation at the Marysville Community Food Bank, between 8-11 a.m., every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
Local residents can also enjoy a little theater while helping local foster children. The Smokey Point Community Church will be presenting a free Christmas play, The Story of Jesus Yesterday and Today, Dec. 9, at 4 and 6:30 p.m., which will help collect new clothing for local foster children. The church, located at 17721 Smokey Point Boulevard, will be accepting clothing in the church lobby beginning Nov. 17.
For Arlington residents, the Arlington Haggen Food and Pharmacy is participating in the Seven Saturdays Before Christmas, which began last weekend, to help the Arlington Food Bank. The event, which runs through Dec. 22, will feature store employees conducting a drive for food, new toys and new clothing items which will be turned over to the food bank in time for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Residents of Marysville and Arlington can also help needy children from around the world by donating to Operation Christmas Child coordinated by Samaritans Purse and running through Nov. 19. Marysvilles Amen Christina Bookstore and Smokey Points The Living World Christian Bookstore will be collecting shoeboxes containing toys, school supplies, hygiene items and clothes to be sent to children around the globe. Collection times for both locations will be 9:30 a.m. 6 p.m. through Nov. 17, noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19.
These are just a few examples of the many ways residents of our communities can get into the giving spirit and make a difference in the lives of others. Your donation, whether large or small, will make the holiday season brighter for someone in need.

STF

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board
Kris Passey or Scott Frank e-mail forum@premier1.net.