ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. (WCAX) – People in the North Country who need it the most can enjoy a Christmas feast this year with some help from their community.
Volunteers in Elizabethtown pulled together this year, again, to make sure people have that special holiday dinner.
“It has turkeys and hams and all of the trimmings for a Christmas dinner, and even has something for a Christmas breakfast,” said Marilyn Jordan, the director of the Elizabethtown Community Food Shelf.
Every year, volunteers gather at the Church of the Good Shepherd to organize and assemble food baskets. The food comes from local farmers, private donors and the regional Albany food shelf. The baskets got to families, seniors, disabled residents and veterans.
Jordan says now more than ever the baskets are crucial for the community.
“It just seems that in the last three or four years the need is even greater,” she said.
Jordan says demand at the food shelf has shot up by nearly 50%.
“Families are struggling, they are working but they are struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “So, those are the families we like to help.”
This year, they are putting together 65 food baskets.
For some volunteers, the effort is all too personal.
“As a child, I grew up with a large family and so we definitely used the local food shelf,” volunteer Sara Evans said. “I know this is a resource a lot of people need and can use.”
A resource for everyone to enjoy on both the receiving and giving ends.
“I love when I see the food pantry stuffed to the gills,” volunteer Susan Gerschler said. “So, there is no reason why people in this country should go hungry. There just isn’t.”