The holiday season is typically a time of joy and celebration spent with family and friends; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has families struggling to put food on the table as they face unemployment and stress related to the current situation. 

The Interact Club-a club aimed toward service and giving back to the community-is hosting a fall food drive from November 23 to December 10. They will be collecting non-perishable food items to help families in need.

“Holiday seasons and the current circumstances we are in just make this an even more valuable time to help out,” explained Junior Bavan Nadarajah, the president of the Interact Club. 

The Interact Club has service projects and events every year, because that is what the club is all about: service.

“It’s an opportunity for networking with other students…to build leadership and community service skills, [an] opportunity to serve your community too,” described Mr. Mark Widmeyer, advisor of the club. 

The service projects, such as Wreaths Across America, are meaningful to those who participate. Giving to those around you isn’t just about getting volunteer hours for graduation or an Honor Society. It’s about being an active member of the community and having a sense of belonging, even when things may feel like they are falling apart.

“When there is danger and fear in the air…I think the tendency for us as individuals is to focus more inward, and it’s easier to be more selfish,” explained Widmeyer.

The purpose of the food drive is to help people through generous donations, which many may not be willing to give during these trying times. Still, this event is a call to people who are able to donate canned goods for those who are struggling in the community. 

Widmeyer describes an important mindset: “I flourish when we all flourish.”

There will be boxes outside of the Lake Linganore Association’s main office in Coldstream, J&P’s Pizza in Spring Ridge, and more locations to be determined. Please donate canned goods at the drive to help those around you this fall season.