JENKINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and one local organization is lending a helping hand to families in need in NEPA.
The Commission on Economic Opportunity, better known as CEO, is gearing up for its 45 annual Thanksgiving food distribution.
28/22 News Reporter Amelia Sack stopped by the CEO Weinberg Food Bank Friday afternoon.
CEO is planning on feeding around 10,000 families this thanksgiving.
These boxes will be given back to families in need in our area with the help of CEO's Thanksgiving project.
"This is our 45 annual thanksgiving project serving two counties Luzerne and Wyoming," said CEO Corporate and Community Relations Manager Debbie Taylor.
The kits come with frozen turkeys, nonperishable stuffing, green beans, and lots of other traditional thanksgiving sides and treats.
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CEO staff says with costs going up at grocery stores, and it's a helpful way for families to fill their tables.
"Families are just kind of trying to look for different ways to supplement the items that they purchase normally at the store," stated CEO Food Bank Director Mary Ellen Spellman.
This year the need has grown for the thanksgiving project and other services they offer.
"I know so many families that are struggling. Dual income families that are struggling, having a difficult time," commented Taylor.
The staff at the CEO say for many, the boxes are much more than a just meal on the table.
"It's an opportunity for local residents to have all the traditional thanksgiving things to have wonderful memories around their thanksgiving table," expressed Taylor.
Those distributions will take place next weekend, and the following. They drive through and are by application only.
Registration closes tonight at midnight.
Volunteers are still needed for the distribution.
