To the Editor:

For many of us, the holidays are a time for celebration and joy. For under-resourced individuals, families, and those still struggling with the effects of a pandemic, the holidays may be a time of additional stress and anxiety.

The Helderberg Family and Community Organization is teaming up with Rock Road Chapel, A Hug From the Hilltowns, the Hilltowns Community Resource Center, and the Switzkill Valley Volunteers to help make the holidays brighter for the families they serve. HFCO is sponsoring our Fall/Holiday Food Drive from Oct. 13 through Nov. 6.

Donations may be dropped off at the following locations during regular business hours: Altamont Country Values-Agway (Altamont), Fox Creek Market (Berne), Helderberg True Value (East Berne), and P and L Deli (Westerlo).

Donations may also be dropped off on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Knox Reformed Church (Knox), Berne Fire Department (Berne), and the Woodsman Hall (Westerlo).

If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please send your donation to HFCO, Post Office Box 115, Knox, NY, 12107. Checks may be made out to HFCO; please put “food drive” on the memo line.

All donations will be used, in their entirety, to benefit individuals and families in the Hilltowns.

Please feel free to visit our website (www.helderbergfco.com) or our Facebook page for more information about this food drive and the other community-based programs sponsored by the HFCO.

The HFCO would like to once again thank all who donated to our Spring Food Drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide over 300 Easter holiday meals and meet some of the everyday needs of the families served by our partner organizations. Your donations brought much joy and went a long way in supporting our neighbors and friends.

We thank you for your continued generosity and we wish you a blessed holiday season.

Maryellen Gillis

Helderberg Family and

Community Organization

Chuck Conklin

Thrivent Team Representative