It’s time again for Bainbridge Island to come together. This holiday season, let’s challenge ourselves to give and give again.

The annual Helpline House’s Stuff the Turkey food drive efforts are again in full swing, with the goal to bring a happy and plentiful Thanksgiving for everyone through the efforts of volunteers and generous donations.

Last year the program assisted 275 families in need during Thanksgiving week and are projecting an even larger number this year.

Many returning volunteers have already scheduled food drives, and several more are expected to announce events soon.

Bainbridge High School will be organizing a collection Thursday, Nov. 21 and there will be a joint-effort drive organized by Boy Scout Troop 1496 and Cub Scout Troop 4496 Saturday, Nov. 23.

Helpline House also welcomes the Bainbridge Island Police Department as their newest volunteer group. Bainbridge police will be staffing food drives at Safeway Friday, Nov. 22 and at Town & Country Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23.

For more information about how you can help with the Stuff the Turkey efforts, or other Helpline House programs, and to learn of the latest scheduled food drives, contact food bank directors Marilyn Gremse and Debbie Stearns at 206-842-7621.