The holidays are times of happiness and cheer for many, but for some it can be a difficult and trying season.

Our neighbors need our help more than ever before, and the Utah Food Bank is here for them. When people need more than a meal, the Utah Food Bank also helps through its 2-1-1 Information and Referral service number. Just one call can connect people in need to many different services that our state's nonprofit community provides.

A statewide program of the Utah Food Bank, 2-1-1 is easily accessed by any phone and all calls are free and confidential. Trained information specialists assess situations, make appropriate referrals and monitor the needs of our communities. More than 1,500 agencies with 600 programs are currently listed in the Utah 2-1-1 resource database. Additionally, 2-1-1 also hosts an informational Web site: www.211ut.org.

Questions answered by 2-1-1 specialists include inquiries about how to meet basic human needs such as directions to food banks, clothing closets, shelters and rent and utility assistance. Support for seniors, people with disabilities, children, youth and families is also available, along with physical and mental health resources, employment support and volunteer opportunities.

Information specialists are available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and voice mail is available after hours and on weekends. The top needs of 2-1-1 callers are housing, health care and food.

Please join in supporting the Utah Food Bank. Whether it's donating to the Virtual Food Drive online, volunteering, dropping off food or simply donating cash, together we can make the holidays bright for our neighbors who need a hand this season, and make sure the 2-1-1 line is there for them.

And just in time for the holidays, the Utah Food Bank has moved into its new home at 3150 S. 900 West. If you're volunteering or donating, that's the place to go.

Scott Ideson is the president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.