As we prepare for the start of the holiday season, it is important to remember there are those who might need a helping hand. One of the ways to ensure that relief is available is by donating or volunteering.

This time of year, there is a particular program that assists Missouri food banks in their mission to feed the hungry. Share the Harvest, run by the Missouri Department of Conservation, allows deer hunters to take their harvest to participating meat processors for donation to local food services. In 2013, Missouri hunters donated 227,358 pounds of venison for needy families. For any questions regarding this program, contact the department at (573) 751-4115.

Another resource for needy families can also be food pantries. During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill to increase the cap of tax credits given for donations made to food banks and food pantries from $1.25 million per year to $1.75 million per year beginning in 2015. The hope is that House Bill 1132 will allow more companies to donate more goods to these services in order to assist more people.

There are also places locally where those in need might find assistance. The Carroll County Food Pantry in Carrollton, (660) 542-2472, serves all of Carroll County. Lafayette County has assistance available in Odessa at the Odessa Community Service Center. Information about this center is available at (816) 230-7558. Caldwell and Livingston counties are serviced by the Second Harvest Community Food Bank at www.ourcommunityfoodbank.org. Saline County has a couple of avenues available. The Community Food Pantry in Marshall and the Sweet Springs Community Food Pantry assist local citizens with food needs. In Howard County, the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Pantry and the Glasgow Food Pantry both have distribution hours available. As well as some local churches, assistance is available in Ray County at the Salvation Army in Richmond, (816) 776-8191. In Warrensburg, the Food Center, (660) 747-6188, helps families and individuals in Johnson County.

Another great source for information regarding food banks and food pantries is the United Way. Partnering with many different agencies, the United Way helps cover basics for people in need. And in Missouri, there is an easy way to contact the organization with any questions. United Way 2-1-1 is set up to help people get the assistance they need. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone and a resource specialist will be able to assist. They also have a toll free number, as well, (800) 427-4626.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are more than 200 food banks in this nation that partner with more than 63,000 agencies to assist those in need. Food banks are often not-for-profit hubs that distribute items to local food pantries.

As the season of both thanks and giving is upon us, we are thankful to live in a nation where we can help our neighbors. I would like to thank the citizens of the 21st Senatorial District for allowing me to continue to serve as the voice of this district in the State Capitol. I greatly appreciate the honor.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.