When I was at the Windham Food Pantry last week, I overheard director Madeline Roberts mention saving some items that had been donated to the Clothes Closet, for Christmas. Yes, she said, she’s starting to set aside good items for the holidays.

In her own words, “Yes, I think the focus this year should be on warmth, i.e., fleece and jogging sets for children and most especially, for 6-10 year olds – and socks of all sizes, especially for 6-year-old through teens. Anything is greatly appreciated. Toys for the little ones seem to take care of themselves. Any organization or private citizen can call me if they would like to provide anything for Christmas.”

I think Windham is especially fortunate to have someone thinking ahead to the holidays and planning for what will most likely be a challenging time for many families in town and especially for those who are clients of the Windham Food Pantry. I noticed at the dollar store the other day, amongst the Halloween items, socks and warm hats and I know they always carry many scarves, gloves and mittens. And I was thinking, these things are really inexpensive but when a $10 bill won’t pay for a gallon of milk and a couple loaves of bread, extras like mittens and hats are hard to budget for.

This is a good chance for those who can help others to think of ways to do just that. If I had my way, brightly decorated cardboard boxes would be set inside stores, business offices, libraries and all public places, labeled “Food Pantry” and everyone would routinely leave nonperishables: canned goods like stews, fish and meat; packages of mac and cheese, and those almost complete meal mixes; jello, pudding and jam; evaporated milk, cocoa mix, tea bags and coffee and items like shampoo, deodorant, bars of soap, laundry detergent, paper cleaning supplies – products food stamps do not buy and which aren’t routinely considered food pantry items.

When everyone gives a little, a lot can accumulate and many can be helped.

I know of one food drive going on through September and it’s an ideal time for more of these. I am glad to know that more senior citizens are making use of this community resource, which is available to all. Roberts kindly sets aside the first Thursday morning of the month, particularly for seniors who may not drive in the evening, although they are welcome on the Monday evenings during regular hours.

Some of you who regularly read this column will, I know, set aside some of those mittens you’ve knit and didn’t know who to give them to; some of you will pick up a gift card at Wal-Mart or Bull Moose or some other store (these would make great gifts for teens) and many of you have some soft, barely worn fleece shirts, pants or a nice blanket which would be so welcome by some child this winter.

You might have a pile of items you planned for re-gifting this year and perhaps you’d consider the Food Pantry/Clothes Closet as the recipient.

Please, let’s get an infusion of early Christmas spirit and help those who will be wondering how they’re going to put food on the table, fuel in the tank and gifts under the tree. I know most of us have the same concerns, but for some of our neighbors, this will really be impossible.

If you have any questions, call Roberts at 892-1931. She and her Human Service Committee elves will be glad to talk with you.

See you next week.