To the editor:

In times of overwhelming need, it is easy to become mired in the fear and stress of keeping it all together.

Good Cheer has been witnessing this growing need for food assistance all year. We have also been observing the other side of need, the incredible generosity of our community. We are humbled every day by the acts of kindness paid by so many in our community.

In the past month we have had several groups and businesses add food drives to their busy lives.

In November alone, the Lion’s Club, Girl Scouts of South Whidbey and the local public schools have held food drives. The local church communities give monthly as do all of our local grocery stores. Many small local businesses have run specials and donated money and food. Donations for the thrift stores continue to stay at an all-time high.

Good Cheer makes good use of your money. We stretch every dollar donated to purchase $9 worth of food. We began purchasing produce from our local farmers to keep fresh produce in our food bank beyond when our own garden rests for the winter. Our Gleeful Gleaners brought their bounty of fresh apples, pears and plums in through the fall. We sort and price donations as fast as we can so you can find that special treasure in the thrift stores.

Every day, we come to work wondering how we can make the resources we have go farther. Our Depression-era relatives would be proud of how we are making do.

Last year we averaged 784 families served per month. In November, Good Cheer served 962 families! That is why we are so grateful for our South Whidbey community. As the need grows, so does your generosity.

We thank you for all you have done for Good Cheer and hope you may be able to donate one more time this year. When you give to Good Cheer, you support your neighbors, family and friends. We look forward to celebrating our 50th year next year knowing that the Good Cheer Community is as strong and generous as ever.

SHAWN NOWLIN

And the Good Cheer Staff