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12/12/2017 03:30 PMFor more than 20 years, local residents and businesses have worked to make sure all families in town get a holiday meal. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Guilford Veterinary Hospital, along with other sponsors, is making it easy for neighbors to help neighbors during its annual food drive from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year’s sponsors include the veterinary hospital, Big Y, Walmart, Bishop’s Orchards, and Munger Construction, according to organizer Barb Kenney. The day of the collection there will be collection boxes in front of Big Y, Walmart, and Bishop’s.
The food drive has always been a great success. Last year organizers were able to fill two box trucks full of donations. The food goes to the Holiday Basket Program and the Guilford Food Bank.
“The food goes to the Holiday Baskets and then the rest of the food goes to the Guilford Food Bank, which will basically support them through the winter,” she said. “It helps them a great deal.”
Social Services Director Tammy DeFrancesco said this year the department is looking to distribute more than 160 baskets in addition to all of the food that runs through the food bank during the holiday season.
To assemble the holiday baskets and meet other needs, DeFrancesco said they have a list of items for people to consider when purchasing donations including: hams, turkey breasts, roaster chickens, coffee and tea, biscuit mix or dinner rolls, instant potatoes, instant milk, cereal, canned fruit, pasta sauce, applesauce, tuna, ingredients for pies, and fresh fruits and vegetables including white or sweet potatoes, butternut squash, onions, apples, oranges, and bananas.
Basket donations will also be received at the Little Red Barn at Bishop’s Farm Market on Sunday, Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. Baskets will be distributed and delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 2 to 6 p.m.
To volunteer to help with the holiday food basket program, call 203-535-6640 or 203-453-8471. For more information about the food drive, call Barb Kenney at 203-535-5845.