By Terry Gould

December 2025

The holidays are whirling around us and I am not sure where to begin. The world has been in turmoil and people have been under so much stress of late. As I write this our government has just ended the shutdown, but hundreds of thousands of people across our nation are still living on the edge of unknown resources. However, the country is full of very good people who think about and care about their neighbors. The town of Otis and surrounding communities and businesses have stepped up to ensure that their neighbors and friends can enjoy the holidays. 

The safe box at the Town Hall is constantly filled with non-perishable supplies that continue to keep the pantry shelves stocked. Our volunteers refill the shelves throughout the week for our Wednesday morning distribution. Various entities and associations are adding food donations to their events. If you visited the Haunted House at Otis Ridge and dropped a food donation into the box, or attended a meeting in Otis Woodlands and shared there, we thank you. If you are one of Arlene's elves and fill our blue box each week, we appreciate you. Or even if you try to be anonymous, we are so grateful. 

Thanks to generous private donations we have been able to supplement families with gift cards so that they can shop themselves for what they need. The Knox Trail Inn once again has implemented their Thanksgiving pay-it-forward campaign and the Food Pantry has coordinated volunteers to deliver complete meals for Thanksgiving. Private fund raising has secured funding for the pantry moving into the winter months. Otis is an amazing and wonderful place. Caring for one another is an art form here. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. From volunteers to town staff, to businesses and private groups and individuals, we all pull together. We can share what we have on every level, and we are grateful. 

Sharing of the harvest was an amazing success. Local gardeners as well as pantry patrons became part of a team that allowed everyone to benefit. The Otis Food Pantry is more like a family and team than ever before. For more than five years the people of Otis and surrounding communities have stepped up to support and assist neighbors and friends. 

The week of December 17th the pantry will have a recipe event. We ask that people who wish to take part choose a simple favorite recipe and fill a bag with the ingredients. Label the bag with the recipe and bring to the pantry by 8 am on December 17th. Everyone who comes to the pantry will choose a bag to take home and prepare with their family. This is just for fun and has been a very successful event. Our pantry provides eggs, butter and milk so there is no need to add that to your bag. 

However you celebrate this season, we hope that you find peace and love. Thank you all.