Leann Ostlee's car gets loaded with a Thanksgiving box.
The line started before 6 am and would stretch more than a mile long full of families in need counting on Inter-Faith Community Services’ free Thanksgiving box to help them be full and happy during a trying time in their lives.
Sitting fourth in line was Brenda Cardone, who upon arriving before 6 am for the 9 am event, said “Thank god I got up early. The line is huge!”
Cardone’s husband was able to find work; however, no one else in the family has been able to find employment. Asked about the event, “I think it’s awesome. It means a lot now that I know I will have a turkey to cook. It’s a great help to us.”
On November 19, 2011, Inter-Faith gave out Thanksgiving boxes full of all the ingredients for a traditional meal to more than 700 low-income families and seniors that otherwise would go without to begin.
The food boxes Inter-Faith collects, boxes and along with hundreds of volunteers gives out are not just ingredients for the traditional holiday meal, but a feeling of family and inclusiveness goes along with them as well. Missing this important American staple can have devastating negative effects on families in need.
Leann Ostlee talks about how much it means to her family to receive a Thanksgiving box.
“Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and helping our community,” said Sandra Blythe-Perry, Inter-Faith Community Services Executive Director. “This special dinner and donation really gives those in need a hand up in dealing with their current situation.”
Each year, Inter-Faith Community Services provides Thanksgiving Baskets filled with the traditional meals ingredients to hundreds of low-income families which in turn helps them maintain a sense of normalcy during the holidays. The holiday season’s one-time purchases can add financial stress to those families in need and reinforce a feeling of despair.
Families benefited from the Thanksgiving Distribution.
The average cost of a 2011 Thanksgiving dinner for 10, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual study, is $49.20. That is $5.73 more than last year’s average of $43.47, up 13 percent.
“We live paycheck by paycheck,” said Leeann Ostlee, who waited more than 2 hours to get her box. “It’s really hard to budget for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a great program that helps my family a lot.”
With the community’s donations and volunteer support, Inter-Faith is Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
“(Thanksgiving food distribution) is a big blessing,” said Ostlee. “I am very thankful to Inter-Faith that is able to help families out like mine.”
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