Groups, churches collecting food

Food donations needed for Thanksgiving

CHESTER — The Outreach Committee needs help in providing turkeys, turkey breasts and gift cards (for perishable items) for Thanksgiving baskets which will be delivered to local families this holiday season.

Gift cards for $10 and above from Adams in Deep River are requested.

The gift cards can be dropped off at the UCC office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Perishable items of turkeys and turkey breasts can be donated on Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the United Church of Chester 29 West Main St. For information, call 860-526-2697.

Sweet Potato Drive set in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN — Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation, 111 Church St., Middletown, is supporting the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project’s Sweet Potato Drive.

They are collecting 40 oz. cans of sweet potatoes for the 900+ Thanksgiving meals to be distributed locally to those in need. Feel free to donate can(s) of sweet potatoes or yams by Monday, Nov. 12 on Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. A collection box is located in the lobby of Water’s Edge.

Durham collecting Thanksgiving donations

DURHAM — During the holiday season, Durham Neighbors in Need prepares a Thanksgiving Holiday Basket for families and individuals in need.

Stresses from financial difficulties, unemployment, medical problems and other personal or family issues often create unanticipated hardships.

Donations of turkeys will be accepted on Thursday, Nov.15. Call Melissa at 860-349-3153 if you are interested in donating a turkey.

Gift cards in any amount are also needed and can be sent to Durham Social Services, P.O. Box 428 Durham, CT 06422 or drop off at Town Hall; due by Nov. 9.

Families or individuals having difficulties are encouraged to call Durham Social Services at 860-349-3153 to apply for a Thanksgiving Basket.

Volunteers are needed to help coordinate distribution from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Nov. 15.

Thanksgiving turkeys, gift cards sought

CHESTER — The Outreach Committee needs help in providing turkeys, turkey breasts and gift cards (for perishable items) for Thanksgiving baskets which will be delivered to local families this holiday season.

Gift cards for $10 and above from Adams in Deep River are requested.

The gift cards can be dropped off at the UCC office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Perishable items of turkeys and turkey breasts can be donated on Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the United Church of Chester 29 West Main St. For information, call 860-526-2697.

Red Cross welcomes blood donors

The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood or platelets for patients in need. A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. However, medical treatments and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays. The Red Cross is thanking those who carve out time to give Nov. 21-24 with a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767).

Another way to help keep the blood supply strong this winter is to host a Red Cross blood drive in December, January or February. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/ Host A Drive.

Durham: Nov. 16, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St.

Essex: Nov. 30, 12:45 p.m. - 6 p.m., Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue

Haddam: Nov. 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Valley Bible Evangelical Free Church, 220 Turkey Hill Road

Middletown: Nov. 19, 11 a.m. 4 p.m., Middletown City Hall, 245 Dekoven Drive; Nov. 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Middlesex College Chapman Hall, 100 Training Hill Road; Nov. 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road; Nov. 29, 7:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m., Vinal Regional Technical School, 60 Daniels St.

Moodus: Nov. 16, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Nathan Hale Ray High School, 15 School Drive

Portland: Nov. 16, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, 554 Main St.; Nov. 30, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Portland High School, 95 High St.

Westbrook: Nov. 19, 12:45 p.m. - 6 p.m., Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Avenue

To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using Rapid Pass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/ Rapid Pass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit Twitter at @RedCross.