Last week’s summary of our Food Bank Challenge told more story than just dollars, it told the story of a community with compassion towards those in need. Over the four previous years of this challenge, the growth in community support is seen in every envelope opened. Be it a dollar or thousands of dollars, it’s the interest of helping others that has meaning.

This fifth year, like all other years, leaves me apprehensive and wondering “Will the community respond like the previous year.” It should be routine by now but I don’t take this challenge as routine — it’s a big deal to all three food banks and to those they support with food.

The challenge is only once a year but those same volunteers that make the food banks run all year step up for these three weeks, and short of beating down doors for donations, they do everything possible to encourage folks to donate.

The thanks go to those that volunteer in our community and to each and every one who found it in their heart to share and donate to this year’s Food Bank Challenge. The success is theirs to feel good about. It’s sort of a cherry on the top of something good to end the year, and a good start to yet another year.

Again, thank you all for your contributions to the 2023 Food Bank Challenge from the Loren H. Corder Foundation.

CHARLES MIKKOLA

Ocean Park