The food holiday season has finally arrived. This time of year is by far our most favorite. We’ve been dreaming of gingerbread cookies, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, turkey (or tofurky if that’s your fancy) and eggnog for months.

But beyond the holiday feasts, we love this time of year for another reason. It’s the season of giving. Amidst the shopping frenzies, family gatherings, and parties, giving back often becomes an afterthought.

At the Co-op, we want to make giving back to the community as easy as crossing off an item on your grocery shopping list.

Here are three simple ways:

1. Did you know we have a year-round donation bin for the Ashland Food Bank near the exit? When you shop for your holiday fixings, add an extra vegetable broth or stuffing mix to your cart and drop that item in the bin as you leave the Co-op.

2. Every time you check out at the register, you have the opportunity to donate any dollar amount to ACCESS, the American Red Cross, Ashland Food Bank, or Ashland Schools Foundation. It’s as simple as telling the cashier the amount and which organization you’d like to donate to.

3. Do you have old prescription eyeglasses lying around? If so, bring them to the Co-op for collection in the Lions Club donation bin in the front court yard. The Lions distribute the recycled eyewear globally to low-income communities.

We hope you and your family enjoy a warm, full holiday season and can help a Rogue Valley family in need do the same.

Happy holidays from our Co-op family to yours!