A Few Minutes with the Mayor – November 2026

AS WE rake up fallen leaves and put our gardens to bed for winter, our thoughts turn to the upcoming holiday season. My family faithfully follows several traditions, including a family Thanksgiving at our home. The holidays are a very nostalgic time for me, and I enjoy them tremendously. This time of year includes a house full of great smells from the kitchen, with family and friends drifting in and out. For Thanksgiving, I make my grandmother’s cornbread dressing, my mom’s fruit salad, an old friend’s sweet potato recipe, and too many side dishes. This is all a precursor to the upcoming busy Victorian Christmas Holiday activities we celebrate here in Jacksonville, and I can’t wait!

I also think about people who don’t have as much as we all do, and how we can share with them. There are many ways to give back in our area, and some are even easy to fit into a busy life. If you are looking for meaningful ways to support those in need, donate to a good cause, or give back to your community, I have a list of ideas.

Donate clothing or other items to a trusted organization. Clothing, shoes, and household items can make a significant difference for individuals and families struggling to afford essentials. You can also offer items to your local church. Often, they know who could use a little extra help.

Bring your non-perishable foods to local food programs. Food insecurity is a real issue for many families. Items like canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and soup are always needed. During the holidays, foods such as canned sweet potatoes and pumpkin, dressing, gravy, and other non-perishable items are especially appreciated. Check with our local food banks and ACCESS to see what they need most.

If you can, volunteer your time for a cause you care about. Help at a local soup kitchen, mentor children, or assist at an animal shelter. This can be both fun and fulfilling. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to organizations that align with your interests. Volunteerism at this level helps others and gives you a personal sense of connection and purpose.

Offer help to a family caregiver you know, or to someone who seems to need help with everyday chores. You can help by taking out their trash, dropping off a meal, walking their dog, picking up medications, or driving them to appointments. Sometimes the best support you can give is your time. Just your undivided attention to listen and acknowledge what they are feeling or experiencing.

Create care packages for people enduring cancer treatment or a hospital stay. Comforting items like soft blankets, lotion, tea, and cozy socks are always in demand. Supporting those going through any kind of treatment can greatly improve their emotional health. Reach out to local centers to see what they need and how you can help.

If you can, donate financially to a cause you care about. Financial donations have a direct and immediate impact on organizations. Many local groups in Jacksonville and Jackson County can use financial assistance immediately and make a huge difference in the programs they offer.

Donate unused items to an animal shelter or rescue. They always need supplies. Ideas include blankets, unopened pet food, toys, leashes, and crates. Check locally to see what specific items they need. They often post a list of needed items on social media sites, or you can give them a call.

Create hygiene kits for local shelters or organizations. Many shelters need basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and socks. These small items can provide comfort and dignity to folks going through difficult times. Before buying supplies, reach out to local organizations to see what they need. If you are a Jacksonville Booster, you are probably already donating time and supplies to their Senior Shoe Box project.

There are many ways to give back to your community, and you don’t need much time or money to make a huge difference in someone’s life. What matters most is your willingness to help. You can help make the world a better place, and there is no better place to start than locally. Please join me this holiday season in doing what you can to give back to your community.

Until December, then…when I will see you out and about during our Victorian Christmas Holiday Season.

Featured image: Jacksonville Tree Lighting Photo by Tony Kay