At Wakefield Food Pantry, Thanksgiving is all about the giving

The big November 23 Turkey Give Away at WFP, thanks to an anonymous turkey hero. (Courtesy photos)

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield Food Pantry has much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, most especially for the generosity of so many within the Wakefield community. This time of year some families literally have to choose between paying for fuel or food or medications. The food pantry hopes to lessen the burden for these friends and neighbors in its quest for a hunger-free community. It is only able to do so with the remarkable help of its local supporters and volunteers.

On Nov. 9 Boy Scout Troop 198 collected over 750 food items to donate to the food pantry. After driving over many neighborhoods to pick up the food, they brought it to the pantry and sorted the items to get them ready for shelving and distribution.

The Wakefield Black Panther football team delivered a donation of $870 for the Wakefield Food Pantry earlier this month.

Last Saturday, the Wakefield Black Panther football team brought in an astounding $870 donation. This was their annual fundraiser to support the local food pantry and help feed many people in need.

This Saturday, a green National Guard truck once again pulled into the food pantry parking lot brimming with more than 100 turkeys to give away along with complimentary hot coffee and doughnuts, thanks to a very generous anonymous benefactor.

"My cousin, Bill Benedetto started the turkey giveaway more than 30 years ago. I took it over from him about five years ago and now work through the Wakefield Food Pantry," shared the pantry's anonymous "turkey hero."

"It's just an awesome way to give back," they added.

The food pantry's Nov. 23 Holiday Dinner Box distribution was a big success. "We served 102 families and 457 people today, which was a very satisfying experience," Janet Miller reported.

From left, MaryLou, Janet and Mickey help serve 102 families (457 people!) at the Nov 23 Holiday Dinner Box distribution.

In concert with the Holiday Box program, Lovell Lake Food Center donated 1,392 pounds of food to the pantry, thanks to community support purchasing 118 donation bags. Further north, the Ossipee Hannaford's will donate $1 for every Fight Hunger Reusable Bag sold in December. It's a simple and great way to help the WFP and the environment.

"The Wakefield Food Pantry means so much to me and my family," gratefully shared one Turkey Box recipient. "It makes a big difference for us every week and the turkey dinner boxes are great."

WFP's next Holiday Box giveaway will be on Dec 21, noon to 2 pm. At the pantry that day will be Santa and Mrs. Claus for the youngsters to meet. The event is at the pantry at 1500 Wakefield Road, in Wakefield.

The Wakefield Food Pantry, (http://wakefieldnhfoodpantry.org) serves the villages of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and the nearby communities of Brookfield, Milton, Effingham, and Newfield, Maine. It is fueled by more than 75 volunteers and many special supporters.