We were shocked and startled at the headlines in our Sunday paper that our local charitable ministries were out of funds and food to help our less fortunate neighbors.

 In spite of our hard economic times, this still is a nation of plenty.

 In normal times the local ministries handle the same basic load, deal with many of the same families, but now they’re dealing with people who have never had to accept a helping hand.

 In order for this growing number of families to receive help, they must brush aside their pride when they see no light at the end of the tunnel.

 Newton County has become a great place to live because for generations neighbors have helped neighbors in times of crisis.

 Make no mistake — we are in crisis.

 May we suggest that if you have some extra food or money to spare that you stop by one of our local ministries.

 No matter what you have to give, it will help.

 If you have a neighbor that has been out of work, forget your pride and his, and fill up a bag or two of groceries to take to his family.

 If you traditionally have a Christmas party at your office, take up a collection this year and take it to your favorite ministry.

 There was much said about spreading the wealth in this election. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have jobs and to have a warm home, now is the time to show what spreading the wealth really means. It means helping a neighbor get through difficult times.

 Here’s a short list of ministries in need:

 • Community Food Pantry
  7125 Turner Lake Circle
  Covington, Ga. 30014
  Hours: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Monday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tuesday and Friday

 • FaithWorks
  P.O. Box 2972
  Covington, Ga. 30015

 • Rainbow Covenant Ministries Homeless Shelter
  P.O. Box 683
  Porterdale, Ga. 30070