Never too early to help

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Updated: October 12, 2011 7:06PM

The season of giving is not here officially, but that should not stop us from helping groups that help others to stay open.

For example, Sojourner Truth House at 410 W. 13th Avenue — across from the Froebel Alumni Park — takes care of an overwhelming number of women and children in need. It conducts fundraisers periodically, but needs help 24-7 to keep things running.

I received an e-mail asking to help Sojourner Truth House with the food pantry. The e-mail stated that canned goods are sorely needed. No canned corn is needed — they have more than enough — but other canned goods like string beans, carrots, peas, tuna and other meats are welcome.

And please pay attention to expiration dates, because no one wants or deserves canned goods that have been collecting dust in the back of the pantry or cabinet.

You don’t have to buy the canned goods at a major grocery store. Dollar stores, once considered the bottom rung of the grocery chain, have some pretty good deals.

Still, check the cans and labels for expiration dates, no matter where you buy them.

You can drop off the donations at Sojourner Truth House or visit its website at www.sojournertruthhouse.org and make a monetary donation.

Why wait for the official “season of giving” to kick off in a couple weeks?

Besides Sojourner Truth House, Brothers’ Keeper, 2120 Broadway, and any local shelter in your area probably need help.

If you have clothes in good condition that you no longer can wear, freshen them up, bag them and take them to a shelter or the local Salvation Army.

We can clean out the closets, knowing someone will be a little warmer this winter.

I know it’s rough all over economically, but I have seen even in the harshest times that people will give. Many know that blessings will come to them in some way.

Even the smallest gesture can speak volumes for others.

Here’s to getting a head start on delivering bountiful blessings to those in need.