The Journal Tribune wishes its readers a Happy Thanksgiving, and we hope the spirit of giving will continue throughout this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow, and despite the still-stagnant economy, many of us have a lot for which to be thankful.

We also have much of which to be proud here in York County.

On Thanksgiving Day, 300 meals will be served to members of the community in the Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford area at the Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church, or for people who cannot make it, those meals will be delivered for enjoyment in their own home.

Organizers said they had too many volunteers come forward this year and had to turn some away due to the small working space at the church. This is a good problem to have and shows the compassion of county residents.

York County Shelter Programs held a week-long food drive last week hoping commuters driving along Route 111 would stop by on their way home to contribute toward the 1,500 Thanksgiving food boxes that are being distributed to residents in need this holiday.

Due to loss of funds, increased demand and the rising cost of food, shelter officials said the need is critical and increasing.

Residents answered the call: Joan Sylvester, the shelter’s community relations director, said in an interview Monday that many people stopped by for the first-ever commute-time food drive at the courthouse in Alfred. While some dropped off food, others stopped by with checks and cash to help out.

The turkey quota for Thanksgiving baskets was nearly complete earlier this week, and thanks to Roger’s Supa Dolla in Sanford, the shelter was able to purchase several hundred turkeys at cost.

Whether you are serving food to a stranger, eating a donated holiday meal or around your dining room table with family and friends, we hope everyone will take the time to give thanks for what they have and appreciate the time off together ”“ for those who are not working.

Before the sense of thanks wears off as people line up in the early morning at their favorite stores for the Black Friday deals, we hope our readers and residents beyond the county will think about their less fortunate neighbors and continue to give back so others may experience some of the joy of the holiday season.

York County Shelter Programs, along with the other food pantries in Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford and Saco, will once again be preparing holiday food boxes for Christmas ”“ and struggling to fill their shelves all year long. Toy for Tots, the Salvation Army, churches and other charitable organizations will be collecting toys and gift cards for children in need. If each person who were able donated some time, money, a toy or some food, we could ensure a bright and happy holiday season for many more than just ourselves.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.