Going into the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle and commercialism — and forget to be thankful for the most basic things, such as having enough to eat. The second annual Empty Bowls event was a poignant reminder that there are people in our community who aren't so lucky.On Tuesday evening, in a community-wide demonstration of generosity, nearly 500 people — high school and college students, families and retirees among them — showed up to raise money for Loaves and Fishes, the local food pantry. NWC art instructor Elaine DeBuhr and her students worked hard for weeks leading up the event to create bowls for the fundraiser. Community members attending the event each chose one of those bowls, which was filled with soup for $10. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes provide meals to people who are finding it difficult to put food on the table.DeBuhr and her students should be commended for their selfless efforts. The picture of so many community members — sharing a meal side-by-side in pursuit of a common goal — was a heartwarming one. Once the soup was eaten, the empty bowls then were taken home as a reminder to continue helping those in need.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.

Going into the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle and commercialism — and forget to be thankful for the most basic things, such as having enough to eat.

The second annual Empty Bowls event was a poignant reminder that there are people in our community who aren't so lucky.

On Tuesday evening, in a community-wide demonstration of generosity, nearly 500 people — high school and college students, families and retirees among them — showed up to raise money for Loaves and Fishes, the local food pantry.

NWC art instructor Elaine DeBuhr and her students worked hard for weeks leading up the event to create bowls for the fundraiser. Community members attending the event each chose one of those bowls, which was filled with soup for $10. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes provide meals to people who are finding it difficult to put food on the table.

DeBuhr and her students should be commended for their selfless efforts. The picture of so many community members — sharing a meal side-by-side in pursuit of a common goal — was a heartwarming one. Once the soup was eaten, the empty bowls then were taken home as a reminder to continue helping those in need.

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.