Pop-up giving

Christmas is just a few days away. For many, right now is crunch time, with a rush on to buy lastminute presents and plan holiday meals. For people who have a hard time making ends meet, even coming up with a few special touches to make Christmas dinner festive can be hard.

Enter the “pop-up food pantry” from The Food Depot of Santa Fe. This Friday, from noon to 3 p.m. (or when the food runs out), people who need a few extra groceries can swing by the depot warehouse, 1222 A Siler Road, and stock up on necessities and perhaps, a few treats. This is new for The Food Depot, which works with organizations all over Northern New Mexico, distributing 445,000 pounds of food and household products. That adds up to more than 370,000 meals each month, delivered through 145 partner agencies.

This time, the delivery will go straight from The Food Depot to those who need food now, relieving some worry at what should be a blessed time of year.

This is a worthy addition to the holiday season of giving. From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, Santa Fe works hard to help those who are struggling.

From coat drives to toys for kids to helping get food to the hungry, the people of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico believe in spreading the holiday cheer around. (We at The New Mexican offer The Empty Stocking Fund, also delivering direct aid at the holidays for those in need, www.santafenewmexican.com/empty_stocking. There are many worthy charities to support, both now and all year long.)

Helping our neighbors is part of the holiday season, establishing habits that will contribute to giving all year — need, after all, will exist long after the Christmas lights are gone. The extra bit of food available today could be the boost that people need to make it through a three-day holiday weekend. It’s a perfect way to start the Christmas celebration.