Every year, as the voices of extended family fill my home, and familiar songs ring in my ears. I am reminded that this is a season of cheer. However, during this flurry, it can be hard to remember that many people do not have the privilege of food or gifts.
Rather than mistletoe, financial burden looms over thousands of Americans.
Americans are struggling with the monetary effects of the government shutdown this holiday season. In a poll of 2,000 Americans, 31 percent said that they expect to slip into debt during this holiday season, according to a survey conducted by Talker Research in November 2025. This anxiety can quickly overcome the spirit of the holidays, stripping the joy from nearly a third of Americans.
With a large portion of our country facing financial insecurity, it is crucial to have empathy for those in need during the holidays.
During the 43 day government shutdown, 42 million Americans were affected by the elimination of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to ABC News. While the shutdown is over and SNAP benefits are back, an estimated 3 million Americans could lose assistance within the next few years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. There are, however, organizations and efforts that can be used to help make up for this depravity that many are dealing with.
This is where we come in.
Since food pantries are currently experiencing an incredible increase in demand after the government shutdown and with the holidays, according to WBEZ News Chicago, donations can generously help. A example of this impact is found right in the halls of South. Glenbrook South’s 2025 Canned Food Drive collected dozens of boxes filled with cans for the Northshore Township Food Pantry. Additionally, $8,633 were made from the cash donations that the food drive collected.
Students helped a cause greater than themselves, taking a small step to alleviate the state’s pressure to help the problem. Efforts like these are some that can be emulated on a smaller scale. Local institutions such as food banks or non-profits can be outlets for donations that can be easily donated to by individuals.
If making a contribution through donations of money or tangible items is not realistic for some, an alternative that is always available is volunteering. Giving your time to charitable organizations is one of the best ways to support those in need and, in my experience, is incredibly rewarding.
This year I contributed my time through South’s canned food drive; packing boxes, checking-in donations, and unloading the truck at the food pantry. Standing on the storage floor of the pantry and seeing the room full of canned goods made me feel proud of our contribution this season. Knowing that we were able to give back to our community in such a significant way made all of our work worthwhile.
Empathy isn’t just about feeling, it’s about taking action in any way that we can: volunteering, donating, and reaching out to our communities.
