Food Donations and Volunteers Needed

BOSTON - On Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (United Way) will team up with Catholic Charities to help brighten Thanksgiving Day for nearly 2,000 local families.  Concerned that the prolonged economic crisis will cause many families to have to make difficult decisions around food and other basic needs this Thanksgiving, the two organizations are calling on the community to help donate food and supplies this month to meet the need.  United Way and Catholic Charities are also looking for volunteers to help pack Thanksgiving foods during the week of November 16th and hand them out on the morning of Saturday November 21st.

Items needed include:

• Non-perishable food items: canned vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc.
• Foil baking pans and other supplies.
• Gift cards that can be spent on food and supplies:
• AFTER November 18: potatoes, pies and other perishable foods.

Contributions for the Thanksgiving Project can be dropped off at 51 Sleeper Street in Boston from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until November 20.  Individuals and families interested in volunteering the week of November 16 or on November 21st should contact United Way at volunteer@supportunitedway.org or call 617-624-8000.