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As Thanksgiving draws near (now less than a week away), we’re sure most of you have bought your turkey and are starting to prepare for a big feast with family.

Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year where families get together, sit around the table and just chat. Turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes — the menu of exactly what’s on the dinner table differs from family to family — but it’s always a meal we all look forward to.

But not everyone in our community will have a turkey, or other food, on their table this year.

This is such a giving community. There are numerous turkey giveaways planned, including one by former NFL player Tyrone Poole. For many years, West Point has come together to make Thanksgiving meals for the community. Many churches hold meals and invite the community to come eat.

Census data says that 16.4% of Troup County lives in poverty, with the median household income at $46,796. 

The price of food has gone up this year, with the U.S. government estimating prices have risen by 9.5% to 10.5% this year, according to the Associated Press. Typically, food prices rise 2% annually.

Turkey, stuffing, canned pumpkin, eggs, ham — everything you might use for a Thanksgiving meal has seemingly risen in price this year.

That means more families are also hurting, trying to budget their meal and keep the cost within reason.

So, we ask that you keep that in mind this Thanksgiving and continue that thinking into Christmas. Some reading this are blessed enough to be able to provide for their families, despite the increased costs and other challenges we all have. Others are not.

If you have a way to give this holiday season, we encourage you to do so. That doesn’t have to be money. It could be donating canned food. It could be donating your time.