Hunger is a reality for many people in our community, and with the holiday giving season in full force, it’s important to take note of how you can assist. At Twin Lakes Food Bank (TLFB), help is welcomed in the form of gift cards and volunteer efforts, but food (canned meat, pasta, rice, cereal and soup) and monetary donations are needed most. They’re also in need of travel-sized toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, etc.), women’s hygiene products, baby formula and diapers for babies and adults. Those who visit are sometimes in need of shoes, gas and haircuts, and gift cards can help. If you’re looking to be hands-on with your donation, volunteers are needed all year long, especially in TLFB’s garden, which provides fresh nutrition for our neighbors who can’t afford it otherwise. On December 18, TLFB is hosting their annual Christmas Basket Program from 9-11:30 a.m. at their center (327 Montrose Drive) in Folsom, where trimmings for Christmas dinner will be packed and handed out to residents with food insecurity in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Granite Bay. For more info, call 916-985-6232 or email [email protected]. “Nobody should be hungry, and each donation of time or money will help us try to meet the needs of those in our community,” says Interim Executive Director Celeste Petersen.