As the holiday season arrives, 12News’ “Share Your Christmas” campaign inspires Southeast Texans to support the food-insecure.
BEAUMONT, Texas — This holiday season, 12News is once again encouraging the community to “Share Your Christmas” with neighbors in need. Now in its 31st year, the annual donation drive has helped raise more than $157,000 for the Southeast Texas Food Bank.
On Wednesday, 12News visited the food bank, where volunteers worked steadily to pack and sort food for distribution. With the money already raised, the food bank says it has been able to purchase more than 171,000 meals for families across the region.
“We believe community thrives best when community supports community, and that’s why we’re here today,” volunteer Michelle Richer-Mengerink said while helping sort donated canned goods.
Richer-Mengerink said even small contributions make an impact. “Small amounts add up to big differences. It takes incremental bits of time, incremental hands doing the work to take care of the greater picture,” she said.
Southeast Texas Food Bank President and CEO Harvey Zernial said volunteers play a crucial role in their mission.
“Some volunteer many days, some volunteer one shift, but if we had to pay staff to do that, we couldn’t,” Zernial said. “For every moment they are here, it’s putting more food into the community.”
Texas currently has the highest food-insecure population in the nation, a need Zernial says becomes even more pressing during the holidays.
“Usually this time of year families are trying to stretch the dollar to make a good Christmas for their children, so we’re here to help in all aspects,” he said.
Through the Share Your Christmas campaign, Southeast Texans can make the season brighter by donating canned goods, contributing financially, or volunteering their time.
“It’s incredibly important to be able to help those that may have some different challenges,” Richer-Mengerink said. “You can’t be your best if you’re hungry. You can’t get up and get moving and have the energy to do things if you’re hungry.”
12News teams will be stationed at Market Basket stores across Southeast Texas to encourage donations as the drive continues.
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