The holidays are a time to gather together to feast with friends and family. But many families this time of the year do not have the privilege to celebrate the holidays with a feast because they are in need of food.

Each holiday season, food drives bring nonperishable food to aid families, individuals, and neighbors who are facing a food crisis. Much of the food that is distributed through a food drive can have a direct and positive impact on the community.

At Radford University, Chi Alpha Christian Ministries is hosting a canned food drive for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, specifically for the residents in the New River Valley area. The ministry supports the food drive through Heritage Church in Dublin.

“I believe it not only impacts those recipients, but it is a great way for the students to see the need, respond, and be blessed for their efforts,” said Aaron Hall, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries pastor.

Demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by serving and giving to others is the mission of the ministry.

“We have a food drive because we are called to serve,” said Chi Alpha student leader Dave Johnson. “We hope to put food on the shelves for those who are going to have a hard time putting food on the table.”

Students in the organization help by buying canned food and other nonperishable items.

“The purpose is to serve the community by reaching out to supply the food shelter with items to hopefully keep them stocked for a bit,” said Chi Alpha student leader Mandy Juraschek. “The goal is to receive 250 donations of food but we would be more than delighted to exceed that number.”

Over the summer, Chi Alpha pastor Jennifer Hall was committed to do a canned food drive for the local community. Hall and members of Heritage Church expressed the need that food pantries have during this time of economic crisis, which has left many local families in need of help.

“Food banks are very low this year because of the increasing number of families,” said Chi Alpha student leader Laura Stokes. “They are also very low this time of year because families need more food to support themselves both daily and for the holidays.”

People all over the country are cutting back on their spending, finding ways to save money. And when that happens, people also reduce their charitable giving for families that are in need.

According to the anti-hunger organization Boston-based Project Bread, high food prices are driving a crisis in food security that is deeper than any that was seen before. This cuts donors back on giving, because families have to feed themselves and do not have enough to give to those in need. At this time resources are decreasing and the need is increasing.

“By supporting and participating in this drive, we are enabling others to have full bellies for Thanksgiving and hopefully for the future,” Juraschek said.

The canned food drive is open for anyone to be involved and collection boxes will be located at the Chi Alpha house at 1107 Fairfax St. in Radford and the contact table at the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center. To learn more about this food drive, contact the ministry at 540.731.0226 or at chialpha@radford.edu.

Brian Seay is a media studies student at Radford University.