The Calvary Food Pantry of CNY recently hosted a community rummage sale, an annual fundraiser.

The proceeds will help offset some of the cost of its Thanksgiving program, distributing more than 200 turkey dinners to people in need.

But with unemployment on the rise, the need for public assistance may be greater than ever. With rising gas and grocery costs, everybody is feeling the pinch and food banks are no exception.

Of course, the government supplies some funding for charitable organizations. But funding doesn't always increase with need, forcing food pantries to ration more and more strictly.

Fortunately, hunger in New York state is usually a temporary condition. Most people who rely on food banks are coasting through a rough patch.

An injury, sudden illness or loss of job can be devastating to the family budget; particularly for the average Joe living paycheck to paycheck.

But once the spell of bad luck is over, these families tend to bounce back rather quickly, only to be replaced by the next person who is down and out. It is an almost constant cycle.

And then there are the silent victims. Individuals who need food assistance may hesitate to ask for help due to embarrassment and shame, even if circumstances are out of their control.

Ironically, this silence contributes to the growing incidence of obesity in America. Low income families often have to rely on cheaper, high calorie foods to cope with food insecurity, which can lead to overeating and an unhealthy diet.

These problems may seem too large and expensive to deal with. But if everyone gives a little it can add up to a lot.

They say one man's junk is another man's treasure. If you are constantly tripping over a pair of roller skates or your spare bedroom is collecting dust, try to give things away before you throw things away. If you made enough ziti for an army, invite an army or wrap it up and bring a plate to a disadvantaged neighbor.

I imagine that the upcoming holiday season is going to be hard on a lot of families.

But where there is generosity, there is hope. Whether you have money to give or time to share, community outreach can have a huge impact on those who are struggling.

And if everyone is struggling, we might as well struggle through together.

Estabrook's column appears

Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com