"I just want to say thankyou..."

A food box recipient called the South Plains Food Bank the Monday before Christmas. She began with a simple statement, “Last Christmas, I gave to the food bank. Today, the food bank gave to me and I just want to say thank you.”

This year has been challenging for many South Plains residents. In 2009, the South Plains Food Bank worked with a network of 220 churches and non-profit organizations in 21 counties to distribute 25% more food than the previous year -- the effects of increased food and fuel prices as well as economic downturn.

The South Plains Food Bank and our agencies responded to the increased demand because people from all parts of our community so generously gave time, food, money and voice to insure no one goes hungry this holiday season, this month, or this year.

The woman who called Monday received food donated by school children during the U Can Share Food Drive or collected by Boy Scouts. Volunteers from local churches and businesses worked to sort cans and make food boxes. Churches and civic clubs worked to deliver the food into the hands of people who are struggling to make ends meet. Each food box passed out this year is an expression of the compassion of our community.

The South Plains Food Bank can only give to the hungry what it receives from our community. I realize how much our community has given to feed the hungry this year, and I just want to say thank you.