It’s simple, really: if you are able to help a neighbor, please do, especially with times being as trying as they are as the world navigates through a pandemic.

As we say after every Christmastime when food drives are many, hunger knows no season and donations help all year round. And at present when the state’s unemployment rate was 22.7% in April, more people than ever may be struggling with food insecurity.

Most of us are watching every penny but we believe helping others brings a special joy immeasurable with dollar signs.

For those in need, The Salvation Army in Marquette has a Mobile Food Pantry from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday at its headquarters, 1009 Baraga Ave., Marquette.

A press release from the organization states some 15,000 pounds of food will be delivered and distributed to up to 300 families suffering from food insecurity. And in this age of COVID, the mobile pantry will be a drive-through process to limit personal exposure.

According to the release, clients are asked to arrive at 5 p.m. rather than coming early, and to clear a place in their trunk or back seat for volunteers to place the food. Walk-ups will also be allowed to participate, with social distancing guidelines.

Distributing the food will be employees from The Salvation Army, and volunteers from The Red Cross and Incredible Bank.

Again, the Feeding America Food Pantry is open to anyone needing food. The truck was purchased by Superior Health Foundation.

For anyone who cannot attend the Mobile Food Truck or who needs additional food, the Salvation Army encourages participation in its normal monthly food pantry. People with transportation are now encouraged to drive-through either the Ishpeming or Marquette location for a food basket. Anyone who has transportation problems can continue have a food pantry basket delivered to their home in Marquette County as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Marquette/Skandia/ Gwinn residents should call 906-226-2241 and Negaunee/Ishpeming and west residents should call 906-486-8121 for The Salvation Army Food Pantry services.

For anyone who wants to help, monetary donations are encouraged during this crisis. Mail: Send a check to The Salvation Army, 1009 Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 and in the memo write “CV19” or online: https://donate.salvationarmywi.org/WUMCovid19Donations or via text WUM to 24365

We thank The Salvation Army for all it does for the community and we hope members of the community step up to help their neighbors in as many ways as they can.