Give A Christmas: Neighbors come to the aid of struggling families at the holidays

Neighbors helping neighbors.

Give A Christmas is a time-honored tradition based on that simple concept. And for decades it has worked, bringing comfort and joy to thousands of families in Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties through millions of dollars in holiday donations.

Our campaigns are underway, and again this year our community has responded with generous support. As we are now in December, and the need is great, we ask you to consider a donation before the holiday.

Our neighbors are struggling. Consider that food insecurity, and visits to pantries throughout Bucks County, are on the rise. There are lots of reasons, including inflation, job loss and a cut to federal programs. The impact has been real.

More:Give A Christmas: Inflation could be humbug for holiday shoppers, families already struggling

Since summer, when the federal government cut back on SNAP benefits as part of the CARES Act relief for those affected economically by the COVID crisis, the Bucks County Housing Group has seen a 40% jump in the number of people needing additional food assistance.

Families struggle to make ends meet all times of the year with the added stress of holiday meals and gift giving some won't make it. Give A Christmas, which is run as two separate campaigns for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer, with enormous help from its partners the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis and the Bucks County Opportunity Council, respectively, helps these families fill the gap.

For the Courier Times:Help Give A Christmas to neighbors in need

For The Intell:Help Give A Christmas to neighbors in need

Since launching the 2022 campaign, the Courier-Kiwanis GAC campaign has raised more than $20,000 of its $132,000 goals. The Intell and BCOC campaign has raised over $40,000 on its way to its $165,000 goal.

"The support of the community for our GAC funds is a wonderful tribute to the spirit of the holidays and our readers care and concern for their neighbors," said Danielle Camilli, the editor of the Courier Times and The Intell. "In a time where we see so much need, our readers are once again coming to the aid. We are extremely grateful and ask those who can donate to consider our GAC campaigns as all donations stay right here helping local families."

More:Give A Christmas: Community support is a true Christmas miracle

Last year, 7,773 donors contributed a total of $133,523 to the Courier-Kiwanis GAC. Those donations provided 3,263 vouchers to 2,075 families.

In 2021, the community contributed $211,064 to the Intell's Give A Christmas, which allowed the Opportunity Council to provide assistance to 464 families (1,286 individuals) with the average assistance per family of $243. Of the families served, the average family income was $23,867.

These are real families with real hardships, and every donation helps.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Neighbors come to the aid of struggling families at the holidays