We understand if it may seem like we are harping on one message the past couple of weeks.

But at this time of year, we wholeheartedly believe it’s an important message.

As the Sun-Gazette reported in last Wednesday’s edition, the Central PA Food Bank is seeing the need for their services, critical to our communities, increase.

“We are seeing high numbers for demand and level of service not seen in the great recession and the pandemic,” Executive Director Joe Arthur told the Sun-Gazette.

We are thankful for the efforts of the Central PA Food Bank both to alleviate this problem and to call attention to it. It’s concerning and disheartening. But, again, it is a challenge that, as a region, our people can rise to meet.

The Sun-Gazette is proud to do its part — and as part of a recent advertising campaign will soon make a contribution to the food bank on behalf of its staff and its advertising partners.

We continue to hope, in a season synonymous with giving, that all members of our communities can find a way to help the organizations and people at the forefront, all year, of meeting our communities’ problems.

Whether its with the Central PA Food Bank, the American Rescue Workers, the Salvation Army or one of the other groups or churches that bless our region with their hard work and compassion, please consider how you can help. It is, once again, a monumental part of the reason for this season.