Jump For Joy

When was the last time you experienced pure, unadulterated joy? 

 We recently had the privilege of witnessing the annual Toy Day celebration at the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, and one particular scene stood out to us. Inside, volunteers were bustling around, getting ready to distribute bags of toys to around 400 children. Outside, parents with kids in tow waited patiently in the cold air. Behind the frosty window, we saw a little girl holding her grown-up’s hand, jumping, wriggling and dancing with anticipation. It was a simple display of pure happiness that brought smiles to everyone in sight.

 Now, with Christmas behind us, we’re looking to begin 2025 with a different kind of joy. It’s the joy of the unknown, of possibilities yet unrealized. And we hope you join us in celebrating the new year in style with our friends at First Night Chatham. If you’re looking for joy, that’s the place to find it.

 Before we turn the calendar, there is a little unfinished business that needs attending to in the waning days of 2024, and we need your help.

 Our annual Holiday Helping Neighbors campaign for the Family Pantry comes to an end on New Year’s Day, and we’ve pledged to help raise $115,000 for the Pantry before that time. As of the writing of this editorial, we have quite a fundraising gap to fill.

 We’ve seen firsthand the difference the Family Pantry makes in the lives of local people, and we’ve seen the buying power and economies of scale that allow the Pantry to provide nutritious food and decent clothing to thousands of people each year. Every dollar donated to the Family Pantry provides four nutritious meals, and for people with food insecurity, that’s a joyful thing.

 So join us in one final joyful act in 2024 and give generously to Helping Neighbors before the campaign ends. If you’ve already donated, thank you.

 From our family to yours, The Chronicle wishes you a Happy New Year that is safe, prosperous — and joyful.