It's time to think of others less fortunate in Sussex

Posted: Nov. 20, 2012

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As you make your holiday plans, things can get stressful. Last-minute trips to the store, not enough room or help in the kitchen to prepare all the food for a house full of family can make you short-tempered. But that's a good problem to have, right? A bounty of food to eat, a warm home, and a job to help pay for it all. The bad thing is that there are many that don't have these problems.

Did you know that more than 19,000 people in Waukesha County rely on food stamps each month? That in 2010, 20,894 county residents were reported living in poverty? That's up from 9,635 reported in 2000.

It's obvious times are tough. The Great Recession hasn't loosened its grip on the country. People have lost their jobs and haven't found work. To avoid losing their homes, they have had to turn to other resources for help when there's nothing left for groceries. And, inevitably, that means a holiday meal will not be possible.

But you can help. You can make these dark days a bit brighter for your neighbors in need by donating to the Sussex Sun's annual Yule Feed Families food drive. We will help you help others even more by matching each dollar donated by 70 cents and we will give 40 cents for each food item donated up to $500.

The Sun drive teams with the Sussex Lions Club, which has already been hard at work to ensure 248 Sussex-area families have a Thanksgiving meal to share. The Lions donated the meals last week. They're now on to the next effort, to raise the money needed to provide Christmas meals. Anything you donate to Yule Feed Families will be given to the Sussex Food Pantry to help with this effort. Any food donated will help stock the pantries shelves so it can continue its mission to help.

Sussex Area Outreach Services Director Jennifer Waltz said more people signed up this year than last for Thanksgiving meals. She said for just $23, you can provide a Christmas meal for a family. The Lions need your help now more than ever. For many years, an anonymous donor has purchased 100 meals, but they lost that donor this year.

"We will make it work," though said Lion John Haunfelder. Last year, the Lions provided 290 meals, Haunfelder said this year they expect more. They will need your help.

The Lions will be stationed at the Sussex Pick 'n Save, N65 W 25055 Main St., and Piggly Wiggly, N63 W23735 Main St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16.

Donate at the Lions' upcoming drive, or simply drop off or send your donations to the newspaper office during business hours. The office is at 810 Cardinal Lane, Suite 210, Hartland, WI 53029. The drive begins Thursday, Nov. 22, and runs through 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20.

Yule Feed Families will push your giving even further by matching donations. Please consider helping your neighbors in need and remembering the true spirit - not the stress - of the holiday season.