Park County saw its first snowfall last week, reminding residents that, although the calendar still says mid-October, winter is just around the corner.

With the coming of winter also comes the season of giving, as local farmers celebrate harvest and area community service organizations prepare for their annual fundraisers. The holidays will soon be upon us, and the need for help for some families is greater now more than ever.

Wednesday is the 35th annual Fall Food Drive, a fundraiser that benefits Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, our local food pantry. Kids representing area youth groups will be going door to door between 5:30 and 8 p.m., collecting food items and monetary donations for families in need. A can of corn or peas, a box of Hamburger Helper or a $10 bill, each donation helps replenish the shelves so they don’t go bare.

The event marks the unofficial start to the season of giving, and support is greatly appreciated. Our community continually proves we care about one another, and this week’s food drive is just another opportunity to show it.

“From January through September, Loaves and Fishes has helped 692 families and a total of 2,392 people,” Loaves and Fishes Treasurer Cindy Balderas told the Tribune last week.

Loaves and Fishes provides a valuable service for those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, and the support for that service by the Powell community with their time and money will ensure that service will continue for years to come. Most important, with the help of the money raised, the Loaves and Fishes cupboards will be stocked through the holiday season, providing much-needed food to hungry families; that’s something we can all be thankful for.

Other community events designed to help those in need will slowly roll out in the coming weeks, including the return of Empty Bowls, hosted by Northwest College’s ceramic instructor Elaine DeBuhr and her students. Scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19 at The Commons, DeBuhr and her students serve a meal of soup and bread for $10 and ask guests to “keep their empty bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world,” according to the NWC website. All ceramic bowls are hand thrown by DeBuhr and a volunteer group of NWC students and alumni. Since the event is only held every two years, it’s become a community favorite, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes.

Before we can utter the words “Thanksgiving break,” the holidays will be upon us. Please help make the season one to remember for local families in need by supporting these events, and others like it. Remember these projects this holiday season, consider giving or getting involved and be thankful we live in a community where we look out for one another.