Answer the call

Perusing some national headlines yesterday, one from Tucson, Ariz., jumped out at us.

The story explained that for the first time in its 35-year history, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona won't distribute holiday food boxes to the needy.

"We have no money or food to do it," the nonprofit's CEO, Bill Carnegie, told The Arizona Daily Star.

What Carnegie said next rings of truth - and prompts feelings of fear.

"This is the worst I have ever seen it here and across the country," he said. "Food banks are struggling. Everyone is seeing the number of people in need growing. There are no jobs and things will not change for food banks until people go back to work."

Just prior to the recession, four years ago the food bank was giving food boxes to 98,000 people a month. Today that number is 225,000.

So why are we sharing with our neighbors near the Canadian border a tale of woe from the southern edge of our nation? Because we must not let this national phenomenon of hopelessness happen here.

As our front-page story yesterday described, the need is great in Kootenai County, too. But we have every confidence the community will rise up to meet that need, because it always does.

The Coeur d'Alene-based food bank, called the Community Action Partnership Food Bank, has received requests for 3,500 Thanksgiving meals but, as of this writing, had only been able to fill about 500 of those orders. That leaves a 3,000 turkey hill for the community to climb, with sides for the special meal also desperately needed.

It is a singular and spectacular point of pride that somehow, Kootenai County residents always step up for their neighbors. Please, pick up an extra turkey or two at the store today - grabbing side dishes too if you're able - and take them straight to the food bank at 4144 Industrial Loop, just north of Kathleen Avenue and west of Atlas Road. Some grocery stores are taking donations and will deliver the big birds and baskets of goodies themselves; just ask.

Next Thursday, on the day most of us gather with loved ones to feast and give thanks, having empty plates and sad faces next door simply will not do.