In the newspaper business you tend to ruffle some feathers. So much so that some of you have been wanting to give me the bird for a while.

Here’s your chance.

But, first a little background.

As I write this, Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. And while we here in Sonoma County have much to be thankful for, there are, unfortunately, a lot of people who aren’t so lucky.

Last year, our friends at the Redwood Empire Food Bank served more than 100,000 unique individuals. That’s almost 1 out of every four people in our communities who suffered from food insecurity at some time in the last year. Which is a fancy way of saying there are a lot of people among us who are in danger of going hungry.

And a lot of them are kids. Kids who go to bed with growling stomachs every night. Kids who have a harder time learning. Kids who have a harder time staying healthy because they’re not getting proper nutrition. Kids who will have a harder time reaching their potential.

The Redwood Food Bank does great work, but the demands on their services have only increased since pandemic restrictions were lifted. That means the need is growing. And they could use our help.

To support the food bank in their efforts, we’re going to set a modest goal of raising the equivalent cost of 1,000 turkeys over the holidays. That’s $25,000 for the food bank between now and Christmas.

If we make it, I’ll personally donate $1,000 from my own pocket. 

So dear readers, I’m hoping you’ll cost me a bundle. And the sooner we meet our goal, the less you’ll have to deal with my follow-up columns!                                                             

All you have to do is select a donation amount below and give me the bird. The Redwood Empire Food Bank will then use that donation to ensure everyone gets food on their holiday table.