In these tough economic times, it’s easy to think only of ourselves. The power bill is going up, the 401(k) is dwindling, the cost of a tank of gas (and everything else) has become almost unreasonable and there’s always the nightmarish possibility of forced unemployment.

But it would serve us well to remember that, no matter how bad things get for us, someone always has it worse. And there are ways to continue to help others that empty our already dwindling resources.

The Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, for example, offers the perfect opportunity with its 23rd annual food drive, which began on Oct. 15 and will last through Nov. 30.

“Hard economic times makes it harder on people who will have to depend on the Emergency Assistance Center more for food, clothing and other needs,” Board chairman Curtis Smith said.

Donating enough food to make a difference might seem a daunting task but is much more manageable when done along with others through a schools, churches, clubs and businesses.

The center, which is located at 502 Enterprise Road in Clanton, accepts non-perishable food items and donations from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except on holidays and during severe weather. The center’s mailing address is P.O. Box 1305, Clanton, AL 35046. For more information, call the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center at 755-9467.

Last year’s food drive netted 7 tons of food and $7,600 in monetary donations.

Considering our ailing economy, even more people will likely depend on our donations this year. It might be difficult to find a little extra food or money to give to someone else, but it’s the right thing to do.

You never know when it might be you or someone you know that needs help.