Sitting down to a bountiful Thanksgiving feast is an American tradition that many families eagerly look forward to every November.
But for those families whose daily reality consists of an empty refrigerator and bare cupboards, the holidays can place even more emphasis on everything they’re lacking.
Fortunately, the fine folks at Oxford/Orion FISH are working hard to ensure local residents in need are able to experience all the joy, comfort and fond memories that a full dinner table brings during the holiday season.
‘We serve so many of these families throughout the year. To enable them to get together with extended family and have a Thanksgiving dinner like the rest of us is just ? I can’t imagine not doing that,? said FISH Pantry Worker Coordinator Sue Black.
FISH will be providing Thanksgiving baskets for approximately 180 local households this year. Some will be distributed to senior citizens ‘who are on their own,? while others will go to families that include anywhere from four to six people, according to Black.
Each basket will contain a gift certificate for a turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, canned vegetables, fruit and ingredients to make a pie.
The turkeys are being provided by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
In order to fill the rest of each basket, FISH’s annual holiday food drive is going on now through Friday, Nov. 21.
‘During this time, area schools and churches will be collecting donations for FISH,? Black said. ‘We’re grateful to have so many people who donate food so that we can provide those baskets.?
Folks are also invited to donate food at FISH’s regular drop-off locations, which include Oxford Post Office (52 E. Burdick St.), Oxford Village offices (22 W. Burdick St.), Addison Township offices (1440 Rochester Rd.), Paul’s Barber Shop (87 W. Burdick St.), Grondins Hair Center (1041 S. Lapeer Rd.), Lake Orion United Methodist Church (140 E. Flint St.), Lake Orion Post Office (611 N. Axford St.), Hollywood Market (1101 S. Lapeer Rd.), and St. Joseph Catholic Church (714 N. Lapeer Rd.).
Cooper Standard Automotive, located at 180 E. Elmwood in the Village of Leonard, is also serving as a food collection site.
‘Items that we’re most in need of now include stuffing, gravy, canned yams, (instant) potatoes, canned peaches, fruit cocktail, chunky soups, ravioli, mustard, pancake mix and syrup,? Black said.
FISH is seeking volunteers to help sort donated food on Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at its pantry located in Thomas, an unincorporated community in northern Oxford Township. The pantry’s address is 487 First St.
‘Personally, I find it extremely rewarding to know these people (who) we help year-round get by from day-to-day and week-to-week, can also enjoy a turkey dinner,? she said.