Giving back is often a Thanksgiving tradition. This year, it may be more important than ever.
Escalated food needs have become more apparent during a time that has seen an array of impacts from COVID-19. In response to demand, the Food Bank of the Rockies increased its food distribution by 40 percent. Locally, transitional housing and services provider The Inn Between reported an increased availability of their food pantry to serve growing client needs.
Scott Conlin, organizer of the Longmont Scouts Turkey Turnout, shared that while donations are a lifeline to any nonprofit, keeping that support local can have some surprising benefits. “You don’t know who really needs help. It could be anyone,” he said. “When you give locally, you may be helping your next door neighbor or someone in your neighborhood. It’s a good thing to do.”
Giving is also a way to show gratitude for what you have by sharing it with others. If you’re looking to help, here are five ways to make a difference in this community.
12th Annual Longmont Scouts Turkey Turnout
Each year, the Longmont Scouts Turkey Turnout collects food, winter clothes, and toiletries for those in need. It’s run by the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts with a dedicated group of volunteers. This year, they’ve set a goal to collect 10,000 pounds of food for the OUR Center, winter clothes and toiletries for HOPE, or Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement, and 100 recycled bicycles for Bicycle Longmont’s Kids Holiday Bike program.
Interested community members can participate in several ways. If they prefer a contactless porch pickup of items, they should text their address to 303-319-9882 or 720-281-0329. Donors can also drop off items this Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon at High Plains Bank, 600 Kimbark St., in Longmont.
Turkey Drive at Wing Shack
Anyone looking to donate a turkey to those in need can donate one through November 24th at the Longmont’s Wing Shack location on Francis St through November 24th. Turkeys collected throughout the Wing Shack group of restaurants will be donated to the OUR Center in Longmont as well as other regional food banks. In addition, the Wing Shack has committed to extend the donation by adding a $5 donation to the food pantry for each turkey collected.
The OUR Center Thanksgiving to Go
This year, to abide by COVID-19 safety precautions, the OUR Center is replacing its traditional Thanksgiving sit-down meal with food boxes to go. While the organization has enough volunteers to staff the effort, they could still use some donations to cover costs. Those interested can donate by registering on their website.
St. John’s Church Food Bank Donation Drop Off
Next week, St. John’s Church food bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and diapers. Donations can be dropped off at the church during office hours or at their food bank location on 804 S. Lincoln St. on Tuesday of next week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
