by Andrea Sherwood
It seems the buzz around the issue of hunger and helping others increases during the holiday season. Let’s share our creative ideas and get the conversation started while the momentum of caring is getting into full swing.
What traditions do you have of helping other people around the holidays? Do you involve your family? How do you involve your children and others?

Here are a few hunger tips to get us started:
• 2008 Treats for Santa. Have your children leave a box of mac & cheese or other shelf stable items for Santa. Have them write a note to Santa asking him to drop the food off at the local food bank for hungry kids.
• Santa Delivers Food. In addition to stocking stuffers Santa leaves a bag of food with a note asking your children to please deliver this food to the food bank to help those who are hungry. Then take your kids to the food bank to donate the food and take a tour.
• Cookie Delivery. Take a plate, a tin or pan of cookies you have baked and deliver to the food bank staff saying thank you to them for making sure other kids get food to eat. While there take a tour and ask about hungry kids in the community.
• Serve a Meal. Contact your local food bank for contact agencies who will be serving a holiday meal to those who are hungry. Sign up for you and your family to volunteer.
• Help Distribute Gifts. How about signing up to help distribute gifts that have been collected for families who are in need? Contact your local agencies to see how you and your family can help.
What are you traditions or ideas?