Daily Herald opinion: Helping Neighbors in Need: Join us in supporting local groups addressing hunger, health care and homelessness

The government shutdown — now the longest in history — has brought a wave of concern about federal workers struggling without paychecks, uncertainty over SNAP benefits and much more.

At the same time, however, these challenging times have also brought to light the generosity of those who are stepping in to help. Food drives have popped up all over, donations at pantries have spiked and some restaurants are offering meals to those who are without paychecks.

We are inspired every day by the organizations, businesses and individuals who make this world a better place.

This week, we highlight another way to help.

On Tuesday, the Daily Herald and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation launched their annual Neighbors in Need fundraising campaign to support charities that assist suburban residents facing hunger, homelessness and health care challenges.

We are asking members of the community to donate to this good cause. The McCormick Foundation will add to that generosity by contributing 50 cents for every dollar Daily Herald readers donate to the Neighbors in Need campaign.

The campaign is now in its fifth year. And this year, we have chosen five worthy organizations as recipients:

· Bridge Communities is a Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit that provides transitional housing, financial mentoring and comprehensive services to families facing homelessness in DuPage County.

· JOURNEYS The Road Home serves families and individuals from the North and Northwest suburbs who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. The organization provides shelter, housing resources and other services to more than 1,000 people annually.

· Tri City Health Partnership helps provide quality health care to people living or working in Kane County who are at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Services include wellness exams, chronic disease management; immunizations, lab testing, dental care and more.

· West Suburban Community Pantry serves 1,000 families a week at its in-person pantry and online market. The organization also offers support services, including assistance for families applying for benefits and referrals to wellness programs.

· Woodfield Area Children's Organization is a volunteer organization established in 1979 to provide basic needs for children living at or below the poverty level in Chicago's Northwest and West suburbs.

In the coming weeks, we will feature profiles of these organizations and details of the good work they do. We plan to talk to directors, volunteers and suburban residents who have benefited from their vital services.

This week, we ask for your help in this mission.

“There is a lot of need right now,” Sonia Mathew, director of partnerships for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, told our Barbara Vitello. “We're hoping Daily Herald readers can be generous and support this campaign.”

We join in that hope. Even small donations make a difference.

To donate to Neighbors in Need, visit dailyherald.com/neighbors.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support.