A Turkey on Every Table
Many years ago, the MRV Interfaith Council recognized that some families in our community were in need during Thanksgiving. They launched the Thanksgiving Basket program to ensure that every Valley family enjoys a Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, pie, and side dishes galore.
I’ve been honored to lead the Thanksgiving Basket effort for the past five years, and it’s one of the most rewarding times of the year for me. Our small and mighty team (thanks: Mel, Mimi, Bev, and Willa) leads a community-wide effort that connects donors to families who can use a little help.
On the donor side, we have businesses that donate goods and services (thanks: Clear Water Filtration, Mad River Exchange, The Inn at Round Barn, Waitsfield Telecom, ST Paving, and Bourne’s Energy), people who donate food and money, and volunteers who donate power in the form of lifting, counting, packing, and delivering.
A few businesses and groups deserve an extra shout out: Mehuron’s buys and stores all the food, Shaw’s supports a food drive, Scouts make cheerful greeting cards, and The Green Mountain Valley School and Harwood High School organize can drives. It’s truly an impressive community-wide effort.
On the receiving side are families and individuals, young and old, long-time and new residents, in ill health or having troubles, or anyone who fills out the Basket form for any reason. This year, we will provide food to about 95 families and 400+ people in our Valley. For those doing the math, that’s about 6% of our total population. This represents a lot of need that isn’t always apparent. I couldn’t be prouder of our Valley, pulling together to deliver joy directly to the doorsteps of families in need.
If you would like to contribute, there’s still time to help your neighbors. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please consider a monetary donation, which will help purchase food to fill the baskets or meet the ongoing needs of the Community Food Pantry. ($75.00 covers the cost of a complete Thanksgiving feast for a family of four.) Either contribute via the paypal link: https://bit.ly/MRVdonate or mail a check to: Mad River Interfaith Council, PO Box 342, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
Thank you!