A little sacrifice helps a lot

Unfortunately, the statistics don't lie.

Nearly one out of every 10 able-bodied people in Elmore County are out of work.

If national statistics hold up locally (and they probably do), another one in 10 are holding down part-time jobs while they look for full-time work.

The cost of living continues to increase with no increase in state and federal assistance to senior citizens and low-income families.

Local food banks are running dangerously low on non-perishable food stocks.

People face the unpleasant choice of having to feed their families versus buying gifts for their children in time for Christmas.

Like it or not, times are extremely tough for small communities like Mountain Home. More people here are out of work than in 2009 as the economy started to topple. What's worse is the unemployment benefits for these folks are about to run out very soon.

Even if the U.S. economy miraculously rebounds tomorrow, it would take months (maybe years) for things to return to some level of normalcy. But these people can't wait until then. They need help now.

Despite the odds, people across Elmore County in more fortunate situations have a chance to turn the tide and make a difference.

Tina Ruberry from the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry probably said it best. If each member of a 60-person bowling league brought in just one can of soup or vegetables, that alone would give 30 financially strapped families a chance to have a decent meal.

Imagine what would happen if everyone at a church or large business in Mountain Home did the same thing. Consider how much of a difference these same folks would make if they brought in more than one can or box of non-perishable food.

Here are a few other things to consider:

Do you really need to go skiing up in the mountains with your family this weekend knowing that a family in Mountain Home will go hungry?

Is that "urgent" boat, ATV or big-screen TV purchase really that important? Can it wait another week so you chip in a few dollars to help someone that can only dream of owning the same things?

Do you really need that extra $5 cup of coffee this morning, or could you use those dollars to buy five cans of condensed soup or 10 boxes of macaroni and cheese for a family that still can't find work?

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, here are a couple of really easy suggestions to help people do their part to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

While grocery shopping, don't spring for that most expensive, top-of-the-line menu item. Go with a cheaper alternative and use the money you would've spent to pick up some canned veggies for someone that really needs them.

Instead of going out for fast food or a fancy dinner this evening, why not fix a simple meal at home? Use some of those remaining bucks to help someone that really wishes they could enjoy a burger and fries with their own kids.

Before purchasing something you "need" to own, take a second to see if it's really a necessity or just another of those "want to own" gadgets that becomes obsolete the minute you buy it. If it can wait, why not take a dollar or two and buy something for the local food banks?

While rummaging through your own pantry this evening, see if you have any extra unopened cans or boxes or non-perishable food and ask if someone else could use them instead.

It doesn't take much to make a difference in the lives of those struggling to make ends meet. Take a moment to make a difference in their lives.

Because the statistics don't lie.