Holidays mean bounty for charities

Food pantries, shelters and charities see a spike in donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

“It is great to have that influx during the holidays because it allows us to give that feeling of love and family when some people might not have it,” said Welcome Home Development Director Megan Sievers.

The holidays encourage people to give more generously — almost one-quarter of yearly giving happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

However, charitable organizations say the need is there year-round. Sievers said it’s important people think about how they can help after the holidays are over.

One veteran said he is extremely thankful to have found Welcome Home.

“I love this place it was a godsend to me,” he said. “I’ve never had any experiences like this at all.

He said he has never felt so welcomed.

“The holidays are hard for a lot of people because they don’t have families,” he said. “We are kind of a big family here and we try to help each other.”

Welcome Home is collecting donations for its Ending Hunger for Heroes food drive through Dec. 14.

Items such as warm socks, blankets and snacks are wanted to fill holiday gift baskets. Find the full list here.