Hunger is all around us. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 19.2 percent of Alabama’s population is food insecure, which roughly equals 919,670 people.

Members of the Selma City Council are providing an easy outlet to put a dent in that number this holiday season and we encourage all able residents to participate.

The Selma City Council will be accepting canned goods, which they will donate to the Christian Outreach Alliance Food Pantry located at 700 J.L. Chestnut Blvd., through the holiday season.

Residents can drop off all canned goods at the Selma City Council Office, located inside City Hall.

Whether you wish to donate 10 canned items or just one, every contribution counts.

Also, The Salvation Army offers another outlet for giving back this season. Residents can bring gently used clothing items and household appliances to the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 524 Broad St. The thrift store recently reopened its doors to the community and is in need of any donations it can get.

We extend a large “thank you” to everyone who gives to these worthwhile causes. Without dedicated individuals who care about the wellbeing of Selma and Dallas County, our city wouldn’t be as bright this holiday season.