There is a moment, not marked by the calendar or even the weather, when the seasons seem to shift. For me it happens in early fall when I visit the farmer’s market to find apples and butternut squash instead of peaches and zucchini.  The harvest seasons mark the passage of time and give us an opportunity to rediscover something new every few months. 

At A Place To Turn things also change with the seasons. Autumn begins the season of holiday food drives that help fill our shelves for months. It is heartening to get emails and calls from faith-based groups, companies, civic organizations, neighborhood groups, families and individuals who want to make a difference locally. The food and diaper drives, volunteer hours and monetary donations not only allow us to feed the community but send a powerful message that we are a community that takes care of each other.

As we enter the holiday season, one of hope and joy, I am aware of the uncertainty in our world and our community.  At A Place To Turn we are seeing more and more families turn to us for help to put healthy food on their table and clean diapers on their babies.  We know that the cost of basic needs are rising, while SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid benefits are decreasing or being cut completely for many of our neighbors. Families who were just making ends meet may suddenly face the reality of eating less so their kids can have enough or putting one less snack in the lunchbox. They need a little help.  

That help is what A Place To Turn provides.  We help fill dinner tables, lunchboxes and fridges.  And we do it with respect and dignity. But we could not, and would not want to, do our work without the tremendous community support we receive every day. Your partnership, in any way you can, makes an impact. You are all an important and valued part of our community.

I wish you a wonderful autumn, and a joyful holiday season filled with hope, love and of course, delicious food!

Rebecca Gallo