Providing for Needs in a Season of Wants

By Bryce Kent

staff writer

Just part of the KFB stockpile ready to be packed into the
 break bags they hand out at the end of December

Sitting in our warm house drinking hot cocoa in our comfy pj's and slippers, eating a delicious breakfast and unwrapping everyone's favorite holiday tradition: presents, these are all wonderful things but we take these things for granted all too often, when maybe a few blocks away a family may be struggling to get through the day, Christmas or not. Kids Food Basket looks to help out these families as the holiday season continues to roll on.

Kids Food Basket continues to be a guiding force in the war against hunger in our wonderful city for many years, and they do not take this responsibility lightly. They help out over 7000 children all around West Michigan, 5000 alone within the Grand Rapids area. These numbers are quite impressive but the main way that kids receive the sack suppers that KFB doles out is through schools. But what happens when schools close for winter break is what Kids Food Basket profoundly calls the “Break Bag.” Troy Vos, the event coordinator for Kids Food Basket, says “it's a little more of a heavier of a bag and we put some extra special things in it for them.” Along with getting extra servings of their typical portions of food, the children receive special treats like candy canes, hot cocoa, and other holiday treats.

Kids Food Basket is constantly looking for ways to help out the community especially in this special time of the year, but none of this is possible without the help of the West Michigan community. The Christmas season is seen as a time for many to receive some of their wants, but what many forget is the people who can't even fulfill their needs. Vos and KFB encourage everyone to help in any way possible. Everything from donating food, bags, money, even simply giving an hour of your time once a year can be fulfilling not only to one's soul in this season of giving, but helpful to those less fortunate in and around our community.

As dreams of what might be under the tree with our name on it drift through our heads as the holidays draw near, take some time to think and act upon helping others whose dreams of their wants may be only that, just dreams.

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