With the on-coming cold mornings, long shadows and short days come the thoughts of the holiday season. The smells of cinnamon, pumpkin pie and roasting turkey give way to visions of the Christmas tree with all its presents and decorations. Hearts are warmed by this true season of giving. As always our thoughts turn to those less fortunate than ourselves.

This year was especially challenging for many of our local friends and families leaving the local food banks hard pressed to fill their shelves.

To help offset this year’s hardship, many of our local artisans will be gathering on Saturday, Nov. 9 to spread some holiday cheer with booths of unique, quality, well-crafted items for under the tree. They will also donate items for several raffles to benefit our local food bank, Christmas Cheer.

This local community event, An Old-tyme Holiday Bazaar, will be held at the Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship Church, 3580 Blackwood Road, off Pioneer Trail, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An entrance fee of a cash donation to Christmas Cheer or canned goods will be collected at the door.

An Espresso Bar, which will benefit a local youth group, and a Bake Shop, which will benefit a local women’s group, will be available in the fall/winter atmosphere with sounds and smells of a holiday home.

Any questions can be directed to Helen Pate at 530-545-2535 or Liz Gieg 530-416-2140.

Let’s show we care!

— Bill Gieg is the director of Church Family Missions.