Chester County residents rallied to help their neighbors in need during the recent federal government shutdown that disrupted support to many local families facing food insecurity.

Four organizations—the Chester County United Way, Chester County Community Foundation, The Alliance for Health Equity, and United Way of Southern Chester County—launched the Help Feed Chesco initiative. Businesses, community leaders, and individuals responded.

In quick order, a total of $219,238 was collected to provide assistance to families throughout the county that are facing economic hardship from rising costs for food, rent, and utilities.

It’s no surprise that Chester County residents would be charitable. Each year at this time, SmartAsset ranks each county in Pennsylvania based on charitable giving. Delaware County earned the top spot this year, knocking Chester County off the top of the list but, as the Help Feed Chesco initiative illustrates, Chester County residents are still plenty charitable. Readers of this newspaper won’t be surprised that Chester County residents are particularly generous—we report all the time about the many different ways that individuals and businesses in the community are supportive of those in need.

Christmas is a time of giving. Helping others benefits more than just the recipient. It is very rewarding to be a giver, and there have been studies that have concluded that there are numerous benefits of giving. If you’re looking for a way to spread a little holiday cheer, a good way to do that is to help out your neighbors in need.

A donation to Kennett Area Community Service helps provide food for the poor, emergency assistance for the homeless, crisis services for families, and more. Donations can be made on the Kennett Area Community Service website at KACSimpact.org or by mailing it to Kennett Area Community Service, 136 W. Cedar St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.

The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center is a valuable resource for people to turn to during a time of need and provides many of the same kinds of assistance as Kennett Area Community Service. Contributions can be sent to the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center by visiting oxfordnsc.org or by mailing Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center, 35 N. 3rd St., Oxford, PA 19363. 

Another good way to provide help to those who need it most is to make a donation to the United Way of Southern Chester County at 712 E. Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, PO Box 362 Kennett Square, PA 19348 or make the donation online at www.unitedwayscc.org. That one donation will allow the United Way of Southern Chester County to support dozens of local nonprofit organizations that serve the community.

If you can, please support one of the nonprofit organizations that serve local residents. Giving just a little bit is still worth it. As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” At this time of the year, giving is a great way to help spread holiday cheer.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers, advertisers, and partners in the community, and we wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year.