Every year when the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons roll around, businesses and residents in our communities respond by giving their time and money to ensure that everyone, no matter their economic status, is able to enjoy the holidays.

This year, due to the recent economic downturn, the need is even greater than before. For example, the Marysville Community Food Bank reported that in October 164 families signed up to use the food bank which is now serving more than 1,200 clients each month, distributing more than 50,000 pounds of food.

At the same time that demand has increased, the ability of local businesses and community members to donate to the various programs has been impacted by the economic downturn.

The efforts to brighten the holidays for those in need have already begun or will begin shortly.

In Marysville, Operation Marysville Community Christmas began Nov. 1 with the placing of the familiar red Giving Barrels at more than 50 local stores, businesses, public buildings and places of worship. OMCC serves more than 700 families, and 1,200 children each year, and provides food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as operating a holiday toy store for those in need.

Local businesses are also helping out. For example, Haggen Food & Pharmacy is once again helping with its annual Sing from the Heart which donates $50 to a local food bank for each hour a group presents holiday music on Dec. 12-14. In addition, the Arlington Haggen Food and Pharmacy is collecting food for the Arlington Food Bank. Also in Arlington, Olympic Place Retirement and Assisted Living is collecting food for the Arlington Food Bank.

These are just a few examples of the many wonderful efforts throughout our communities to help our local families in need. And they all depend on one thing to be successful — the generosity of the businesses and residents who call our communities home.

While we may not be able to give as much this year as we had in years past, we should still give what we can as the need only continues to grow.

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board — Stuart Chernis or Scott Frank — e-mail forum@marysvilleglobe.com.