Submitted
On Nov. 18, Open Doors food pantry in Westfield provided Thanksgiving food items to families in the community.
A total of 335 families signed up to receive Thanksgiving assistance this year, which was an increase of more than 80 families over last year. Families received a turkey, pumpkin pie, whipped topping, margarine, bread, produce, milk, and a box of canned food items. Families were given the option of picking up their food at Open Doors or having it delivered to them.
Photo provided
“We have seen a tremendous increase in need in Westfield over the past year, and we would not be able to provide this assistance without the help of our generous community,” said Carrie Larrison, director of special projects for Open Doors. “People stepped up and donated over 2,500 canned food items, and many also purchased turkeys and pies when we realized our numbers were greater than anticipated. Monetary donations were very much appreciated and went towards the cost of the perishable items.”
Open Doors relies heavily on volunteers for this program to be successful. In the days leading up to the distribution, over 100 volunteers helped count and sort food, made reminder phone calls, and filled the food boxes, with another 50 volunteers assisting at the pantry or with delivery on Saturday morning.
“We are very blessed to live in a city that cares about our neighbors,” Larrison said. “We hope that the families who received these food items not only enjoy a delicious meal with their families, but also feel the love and support of the community.”
Now that the Thanksgiving project is over, Open Doors is turning its attention to Christmas. A total of 251 Westfield families have signed up for food and gifts for their children. Although Open Doors will still provide all the food for these families, the food pantry has joined with Westfield Washington Schools and many local churches to provide gifts for over 1,100 children. Tags can be picked up at one of the following locations, or people can use the Sign Up Genius link to choose children to purchase gifts for.
If you would like to support the Holiday Giving program, you are invited to visit any of the locations listed in the box below. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, visit wwswef.org/holidaygiving or drop off $25 gift cards marked with “Holiday Giving” to any Westfield school.
