One of the most pressing concerns we have is the increasing level of hunger in our community. Navajo County continues to be rated 14th worst in the country in food hardship, and it has the fifth highest percentage of children living in poverty in the United States. To help fill this continued food shortage, members of the White Mountain Community Freehold are asking you to join them in creating the 2014 Can-Tree Celebration. The home of the tree this year is Benefit Intelligence-GMI, located at 224 S. Main St. in Snowflake, next to the Snowflake Mills Credit Union. Beginning Saturday, Nov. 15, the 2014 Can-Tree Celebration Coupon Book will be available at many of your favorite businesses. It offers discounts you purchase with your donated food items. The 2013 Can-Tree Celebration collected a ton of food. Organizers ask you to help reach this year’s goal of 3,000 non-perishable food items. The tree is constructed of cans of food donated by your family, co-workers and neighbors. Many organizations and businesses are already collecting food this year to meet the needs of our community food pantry during the holiday season. The tree will be taken down, and the donated foods delivered to Shepherd’s Kitchen in January to replenish their shelves to start the New Year.