Submitted by The Lopez Island Family Resource Center

November is here again — a time when the light fades, we spend more time indoors and darkness abounds. So where is the light? It’s right here — being brought out by all of you! Whether you are the generous giver of gifts to help those in our community who are in need, or the recipient of these gifts from the heart, your light shines bright!

The holiday season can bring joy to us all. However, some islanders struggle with hardship and aren’t able to provide for basic needs, let alone plan for holiday expenditures. Many have difficulty covering increased heating costs, or being able to buy healthy, nutritious and comforting food. Inevitably, children outgrow their shoes and winter coats and some families can’t afford to replace them. There are over 1,000 individuals on Lopez who do not have enough income to cover these basic needs.

You can make a difference in your fellow community members’ lives, who are trying hard to feed their families, warm their homes and make their child’s holiday wish come true.

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center is in its 19th year of hosting the Thanksgiving Meal Program and the holiday Spirit of Giving program to which individuals, organizations and businesses can donate gift cards, food vouchers and toys to individuals and families in need.

The food baskets contain everything a delicious Thanksgiving Meal should have: turkeys, stuffing, Holly B’s rolls, vegetables (mostly local!), culinary herbs and pies. Last year, 191 individuals from 52 low-income households received baskets thanks to the generosity of LVM, Blossom, churches, schools, and community members.

There are several ways you can contribute to the Spirit of Giving Program for families with children. You can donate a gift certificate on giving trees at these locations: Blossom, The Galley Restaurant, Islander’s Bank, Lopez Bookshop, Lopez Library, Lopez Post Office, Lopez Village Market, Southend Market, Sunset Builders, LIFRC and local churches. Families can use these certificates to buy exactly what their child wishes for.

Donate to either program by making a monetary donation, purchasing gift certificates or sponsoring a family by mail at PO Box 732, through online donation at http://www.lifrc.org/ or directly at LIFRC at 23 Pear Tree Lane. Please bring or mail gift certificates to the LIFRC by Dec. 10, so families have time to do their holiday shopping. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Call the LIFRC at 360-468-4117 if you have further questions.

Last year, Sunset Builders Supply generously donated toys for children, the Enchanted Quilters made 12 quilts and church groups made gift baskets and homemade baked goods for families.

Let’s make sure together that hard-working individuals and families have a healthy holiday meal and that families can surprise their children with the perfect gift this holiday. Thank you for making Lopez family’s lives brighter again this holiday season.