Last Thanksgiving, 86 Mad River Valley Thanksgiving baskets were assembled and delivered to families and individuals in need. Over 370 people ejoyed a free Thanksgiving meal thanks to the generosity of Mad River Valley community and volunteers.
“Based on increased traffic at the community food pantry, we are planning for 90-plus families this year. No one gets turned away,” said Judy Beningson, project coordinator.
“From many directions, we see families under an increased burden, in terms of both finances and time, so we are getting ready to help even more people this year.”
The program works in two ways: first, with donations from individuals and businesses so the Thanksgiving baskets can be filled, and second, with local people in need signing up to receive baskets. On the donor side, donations of food and cash are collected, with the cash being used to purchase items not fully covered by food donations.
Several businesses step up to buy turkeys. Waitsfield Telecom, Bourne’s Energy, and Clear Water Filtration have sent pledges. Individual volunteers pack the food in Thanksgiving baskets. On the receiving side, families or individuals in need throughout The Valley (covering Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren, and Fayston) indicate they would like a Thanksgiving basket.
The baskets include all the ingredients necessary for a Thanksgiving meal: turkey, veggies, bread, fruit, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and, of course, pie. The whole meal is free of charge. The basket is either delivered to the recipient’s address in The Valley, or the recipient can pick up their basket.
Last year’s Turkey Drive at Shaw’s was a huge success, and the drive will be held again this year. People can stop by the Shaw’s in Waitsfield on Saturday, November 11, to donate cash or canned items.
Assistance from the community is critical. Mehuron’s is helping to buy and store turkeys (almost 1,500 pounds of turkeys!). The Valley Reporter office is a food collection site. The whole program is sponsored by the Mad River Valley Interfaith Council, which ensures there are enough donations and volunteers to make this tradition continue. And, once again, both the Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) and Harwood Union High School are participating in the effort.
“Thank you to all the students who are helping to make this holiday a happy one for their neighbors in need,” Beningson said.
Here's how to participate, as a recipient or a donor:
For people who want to receive a basket, there are several ways to sign up: (1) use the online Google form at https://bit.ly/getMRVturkey; (2) see the school nurse at one of the Mad River Valley schools for information; (3) use the sign-up form at the Mad River Valley Community Pantry; (4) speak to the pastor at a local church; (5) contact the Mad River Valley Community Fund by email at
For people who would like to donate, they can help in any of the following ways: (1) food donations; (2) monetary donations; or (3) in-person assistance. Any extra food and cash is given to the Mad River Valley Community Pantry, so all of it goes to Valley residents in need.
To make food donations, people can buy food items from the list below and drop them off at The Valley Reporter office (on the Slow Road, across from Sportive in Waitsfield) or local churches no later than Friday, November 17. (In order to balance the meals, people are asked to buy the sizes requested below or as close to them as possible.)
- Apple sauce (20-25 oz.)
- Biscuit Mix (box)
- Brownie Mix (box)
- Canned fruit (13-15 oz. can)
- Canned vegetables (14-16 oz. cans: corn, peas, or green beans)
- Crackers (8-12 oz. box)
- Cranberry sauce (14 oz. can)
- Gravy (1 can/bottle)
- Peanut Butter (16-20 oz. jar)
- Stuffing (1 box/bag)
- Tuna (9-12 oz. can)
To make monetary donations, use the Interfaith Council’s paypal link at https://bit.ly/MRVdonate (specify that it is for turkey baskets), or mail a check to: Mad River Valley Interfaith Council, P.O. Box 342, Waitsfield, VT 05673, or use the program’s donor QR code, available on posters throughout The Valley.
To participate in person by sorting, packing, or delivering food, sign up online at https://bit.ly/MRVgobble.
“Neighbors helping neighbors is what makes The Valley a special place for everyone,” Beningson said.
