Schneider has been holding an annual food and toy drive for the past decade, ever since his office opened in 1998.

Last year’s food drive netted 410 pounds of food and $140 in donations. The food collected at the office goes to the Food Bank of North Carolina and is earmarked to be distributed in Johnston County.

For the toy drive, Schneider receives input from local schools about families and children in need. The elementary schools get the first pick of the toys, and the rest are given to the Salvation Army in Smithfield.

“All of the charities are having a rough time right now, but the thought of someone not having food to eat every day, much less on Thanksgiving, is horrible,” said Schneider. “Every little bit helps.”

“The thing to remember is that it could be them in a bad situation,” said Schneider. “I was told once that character isn’t made in a crisis – it’s displayed there. Times are tough, but if you can, try to do something. A little kid isn’t going to understand that times are tough, and God willing, things will turn around soon.”

     “We serve this community and this community supports us,” said Schneider. “We do these drives because we like to show we care about the people we serve.”

The economy is tough for everyone, and many families are planning to downsize on the spending and gift giving this holiday season. But as Dr. Bruce Schneider of Schneider Chiropractic launches his annual toy drive, he’s hoping people will remember that there are still many in need across the area.