Food baskets make Thanksgiving a ‘feel-good day’
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.» Throughout the week, several community groups gave worked to make Thanksgiving better for more than 4,000 people.
The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council held an annual Thanksgiving basket program, distributing nearly 750 baskets with all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinners that would serve more than 3,000 people. Volunteers powered the program from start to finish, from picking apples donated by Saratoga Apple and hosting food drives to packing and distributing baskets.
Steve Sullivan, owner of the Olde Bryan Inn, and his staff prepared nearly 1,000 meals that were delivered to elderly, homebound and disabled Saratoga County residents Thursday. Meanwhile, with the help of Longfellows staff, the Economic Opportunity Council distributed baskets from its soup kitchen at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs.
Each year, the program is supported by donations from community members and businesses.
“We are thankful for the outpouring of support that allows us to serve so many families each year,” said Jo Anne Hume, executive director of the EOC. “Dozens of volunteers from Skidmore College and the local community came out to help us pack and distribute the baskets, and it has been wonderful to be a part of giving back during the holidays.” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, DRound Lake, and Saratoga Springs city Supervisor Matt Veitch showed their support, helping to distribute baskets Monday and Tuesday at the church.
“The holiday season is a wonderful time of celebration, but can be especially hard for many families that are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Hume. “We hope that everyone realizes that giving back in whatever way you can has a big impact on the lives of others.”
Jason Lynch, general manager of the Olde Bryan Inn, was lead-
ing volunteers Thursday in a tradition that dates back many years.
“We spearhead it,” explained Lynch. “Our staff has been working on preparing for this for the last week and a half, but we can’t do it without the assistance of our volunteers.”
About 20 drivers waited for dozens of volunteers to prepare meals before delivering them to the people who need it.
“It’s really nice,” said Lynch. “It’s a feel-good day.”