Throughout the year, many local organizations use the assistance of the general public for charity.  As many of you know, donations as a whole are down.  I encourage, and challenge you all to help those in need for the holiday season.   Giving to charity is an honorable act, not just for the holidays, but year round.

While in college, I was first introduced to the gift of giving.  Having been raised in a loving family, surrounded by friends and family throughout the year, and even more during the holiday season, I was a little oblivious to the rest of the families that needed assistance.  I attended what is now called Southern New Hampshire University in Hookset New Hampshire, at the time is was called New Hampshire College.  I attended the culinary program and studied all aspects of cooking cuisines.  It was there that I met Chef Perron Long.  Chef Long volunteered and gave tremendously.  In a not so direct manner, it seemed to me that he gave us all a challenge to try and donate not only our skills, but also our time and compassion to those in need.  So I did. I volunteered at a local food bank and cooked for the homeless.  It is a tough job, and a thankless one at times.

My challenge to you is this: Donate one thing this holiday season. It may be your time, it may be canned foods, or maybe a toy for a less fortunate child.  Take this challenge, and bring it to your friends and family members.  You will be surprised how good it will make you feel!

Some local area organizations that may need your help are listed below.

• Dover fire department toy bank
• Dover police canned good and non-perishable item drive
• New Hampshire food bank
• Somersworth Professional Fire Fighters toy drive
• Rollinsford Police Benevolent Assoc. holiday food drive
• Rochester Home Makers food and gift baskets
• Berwick Maine toys for tots