Local groups determined to ensure that all families can prepare a large holiday feast are putting out their final call for donations.
The Holiday Giving Box Program is accepting monetary donations through December 19.
The initiative began in 2020 during the pandemic and is a partnership between Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Cornell Cooperative Extension, CHOW, Broome-Tioga BOCES, The Leadership Alliance and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.
The giving boxes can hold enough food to feed anywhere from a family of four up to 14. They include a turkey, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce and sparkling cider, all sourced by CHOW.
But what makes this food drive different is the inclusion of locally grown produce and locally produced desserts.
“We have potatoes and squash and carrots and onions. This year, we’re adding apples to the box. We also purchase cookies from a couple different local bakeries. So, we’re also supporting our local businesses,” said Associate Director of CCE Tara Kenyon.
The program has grown considerably in its five years, from assisting 50 families in 2020 to a goal of 425 this year. 35 of the boxes will be reserved for veterans.
Broome County provides the funding for those, Cornell Cooperative purchases the produce from local farmers and BOCES provides the names of needy families in Broome County while the entire operation is overseen by Lupardo’s office.
“Everything we do is collaborative here. CHOW stands for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. Everything we do involves the entire community. In this particular event, we have multiple community partners coming together to help the community,” said Director of CHOW Les Aylesworth.
The partners say each holiday meal costs about $50.
The boxes will be assembled the week of December 16 and then delivered to local families.
Click here to donate.