During the holiday season, many families look forward to warm meals and quality time together. However, for some, Thanksgiving can be a time of stress and uncertainty regarding where the next meal will be coming from.
Many families are unable to afford luxuries around the holidays. According to The Salvation Army, hunger around the holidays is beyond normal food insecurity; it causes parents to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table for their families. During holiday seasons, utility bills increase due to holiday-related activities such as Christmas lights and decorations, and running the AC more often. Food prices also inflate, and there are many holiday expectations to live up to like gifts and family meals.
While there are many organizations that provide relief for families around the holidays, our school’s Kare Team is collaborating with Park Crest Baptist Church to put together Thanksgiving baskets to assist families in need.
“Park Crest Baptist Church has been sponsoring this event for more than 10 years and we will be able to help families with a complete meal again this year,” Counselor Amy Moran said.
In the Thanksgiving baskets, there will be everything needed for a complete Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, dinner rolls, green beans, corn, fried onions, mashed potatoes, and more.
Those who are receiving a Thanksgiving basket will have the groceries delivered to them at their home, or if not possible, they will be available to pick up at Park Crest Baptist Church.
For students who would like the opportunity to contribute to those in need at our school, our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, and many other clubs run a fall festival on October 25th.
“You have to bring at least one non-perishable food item to get in, and it goes to Ozarks Food Harvest who we partner with to run the festival,” senior DECA member Cayley Ledbetter said.
Students whose families need assistance can fill out the Google form by November 10th which is attached to the email that all students have received.
