MIDDLETOWN — While Thanksgiving this year may look different than years past, many of us are still looking forward to spending time with family and trying to relax while at home. Unfortunately, many local families are struggling just to make ends meet, and the pandemic is making it even harder for many to keep up on expenses.
Here at Middlesex United Way, we are part of the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project, established to ensure that all city families who couldn’t afford to purchase a Thanksgiving meal could still enjoy a holiday meal, and we’re gearing up to assemble 1,250 Thanksgiving baskets for local families and individuals in need.
This is a record number due to the economic impact of COVID 19.
Although this year will be different than in years prior, registration begins Oct. 27 for Middletown families to apply for a basket of Thanksgiving food. Registration will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Amazing Grace Food Pantry, 16 Stack St., through Nov. 19.
There will be a drive-through sign-up. To ensure the safety of all, we ask you please have IDs ready when you get there and to remain in your car. There will be an outdoor walk-up area for those on foot or taking the bus.
Those who wish to register must provide proof of Middletown residence and identification for each family member. Acceptable proofs of residence are a utility bill, driver’s license or state identification, lease agreement or rental receipts. Forms of ID are a driver’s license, birth certificate, medical card, social security card, or Department of Social Services or housing listing.
Baskets will be available for pick up Nov. 24 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road. Please have your ticket ready when you arrive and remain in your car.
Transportation will be available from the Middletown Transit Station to Fellowship Church, leaving every half-hour.
This project is supported by many generous local businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, civic groups and individuals. Middlesex United Way is proud to be a partner in this incredible group, along with many others.
This project will face many challenges this year, so support has never been more needed. Monetary donations are being accepted to purchase necessary food and nonfood items essential to this effort.
If you wish to contribute, checks can be made out to “Rotary - MCTP” with “MCTP” in the memo line, and sent to MCTP, c/o Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457. You can also text “MCTPPW” to 41444 to make a donation.
For information about volunteering or contributing a donation, contact Lara SantaMaria at Fellowship Church at 860-346-1181 or MCTP2013@yahoo.com.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
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