Although it is still October, many people are counting down the days to Thanksgiving and Christmas. For some, the holiday season is the time for giving - whether it be giving to the community or to those who need a little extra help.

With the goal of aiding families in need within southern Lancaster County, the Southern Hope Foundation (SHF) became an official nonprofit organization in 2019. In the past, SHF has provided families with presents, food, and funds for utility payments during holiday seasons. The foundation has also supported individuals during emergency situations, including financial assistance with newborn needs, medical emergencies, and natural disasters such as house fires. The goal of SHF is to continue these efforts and help year-round.

On Sunday, Nov. 28, SHF will hold its first in-person event in almost two years. SHF has planned a designer purse bingo event in the Hoffman Building on the Solanco Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, Quarryville. Doors will open at noon, and bingo will run from 1 to 4 p.m. The blackout prize will be a three-piece Michael Kors luggage set valued at over $1,000. There will also be door prizes and giveaways. Food, such as hot dogs, chips, and chicken corn soup from C. R. Lapp's Family Restaurant, will be available for purchase.

Ticket sales will not be guaranteed the day of the event, so it is strongly encouraged to prepurchase tickets by emailing southernhopefoundation@gmail.com or messaging the organization on Facebook. Each ticket will include 20 games of bingo.

Proceeds from the designer purse bingo event will go toward the purchase of Christmas presents for many families this year. To be considered for selection as one of the families, email the organization or message it on Facebook. Applications will not be accepted after Friday, Nov. 12. People can nominate families as well.

SHF is looking for volunteers to help at the designer purse bingo event. For more information, search for "Southern Hope Foundation" on Facebook.