Things in Sullivan County are getting busy as we head into the Holiday Season. Before you know it, we will be complaining about the snow and hoping to see the crocus bloom. But instead of hoping our lives away, we need to be present and focus on what is right here before us. And there is much for us to do and to find ways to give back during this season of thanks.

The biggest issue on the horizon that you can help with to make our community better is the very real issue of food insecurity. When in High School, I was selected to be on the Food Drive Committee. I was a member of what was called, “The Top Ten.” That was the inner circle group of students who worked on the deliveries of the baskets to the families in need. So, imagine my surprise when I went home that afternoon and a friend came to our door with a basket. We were in need, but still better off than most. But knowing the kindness and the care that was behind that simple basket meant the world to me, and my father on what would be his last Thanksgiving with us. Mom had already passed away and Dad did his best to make us understand that we had so much to be thankful for but others were more in need than we could have imagined.

So, although it may be a tougher priced holiday season, I share with you the many needs and ways for you to assist. As I say, “A whole lot of little makes a whole lot of lots.” Every little bit helps.

The Regional Food Bank is conducting a Thanksgiving Food Distribution at the Sullivan County Government Center on Saturday, November 22 starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last. Those attending will receive more than 30 pounds of groceries of one food package per vehicle. There is also a need for volunteers to help prepare the items. To volunteer your services on that day from 7am – 1pm, please register at https://bit.ly/4i3uTAj and scroll for the Monticello site.

Food collections are taking place throughout the county. The Ethelbert Crawford Library is collecting non-perishable foods from November 10 until December 30 during Library hours. In addition, the United Way of Sullivan County and The Federation for the Homeless not only accept donations of food items, but are also in need of turkey. You can drop off directly to their locations.

Sullivan Central Rotary Club is holding its “Not Les Nessman’s Turkey Drop Turkey Drop” from now through Thanksgiving. If you have a ShopRite Free Turkey and send your ShopRite Card (Phone Number) to Sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com, the Club Members will pick up your turkey to donate to a family in need.

Consider supporting a group that assists year-round by enjoying a delicious Turkey Dinner on Friday, November 21 at the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 on North Street in Monticello. A delicious meal with all the traditional fixings will be served from 5pm – 7pm to eat in or take out. FOMO – no need. Pre-order by calling 845-798-2545. Tickets are priced at $15 each.

Please consider a donation to The Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard serving 700 of our neighbors every week. To donate visit https://bit.ly/43w6kpB

The Boys and Girls Club is still seeking “angels” to adopt a family for the holidays during its Giving Tree Project. Please contact Barbi Neumann at (845) 342-8833.

And, as always, please support the many local religious organizations, schools, and service club groups in your area who may not have submitted information for this column, but are still in our community doing good work for others during this holiday season.

Happy Birthday to Regina Hartman, Doug Smith, Corrin Trombley (11/18), my amazing 6th & 7th grade Art Teacher Charleen Kavleski (keep going strong), Kristen Van Hage Lund (11/19), Chuck Vassallo (11/20), Jody Shames Tedaldi, Annmarie Foss, Mark Streifer, Alan Devlin (11/21), Carola McNutt, Chris Reina (11/22), the woman with a Golden Heart – our very own Kathy Kreiter, Gary Lasher, Sue Messinger-Weinstein, Gerri Stensland, (11/23), Lori Solomon-Longobardi, Bernice Zierler, Melanie Contrys, Allison Kurthy (11/24).

Condolences to the Belgiovene family on the loss of their beloved matriarch JoAnn Belgiovene. An amazing educator and kind soul to all who knew her, her legacy will live on through all whose lives she touched. May her memory be for a blessing.

So, however you choose to show your thanks, remember to help a neighbor, and make a difference this Thanksgiving. You get far more from giving than receiving! And, as always, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com .