Thanksgiving comes at an especially difficult time this year, but that shouldn’t mean forgoing a celebratory meal. For those in need, there are a few options for food assistance throughout the Harvard community, and those looking to help a neighbor can contribute by donating to local organizations.
The Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Devens is open every Wednesday and most Fridays, except for the third Friday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon, and every third Saturday of the month at the same time. It will distribute Thanksgiving dinners on Monday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.
On Monday, each family will have the choice of a turkey, chicken, or vegetarian option. This will be accompanied by traditional sides, such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, pies, breads, and fresh produce. Area residents do not need to call ahead, and they will receive their meal through a contactless drive-thru service.
The Living Water Fellowship in Ayer is also providing free boxed meals for the holiday. From 1 to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, people from all communities can pick up a meal at the church’s back entrance. There is no income, residency, or ID requirement.
For seniors in the most need and at the greatest risk if they were to venture out, the Council on Aging (COA) will provide prepared, single-serving turkey dinners from Roche Bros. supermarket next week. COA staff will package the meals, which will be distributed by the eighth-grade Girl Scout Troop 41003 on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The girls will pick up the meals and deliver them directly to the homes of seniors. This is being funded by a COA grant.
Seniors and disabled residents of all ages have access to the COA van for transportation to and from Loaves & Fishes. Those who plan to use the van should call at least 48 hours in advance of when they hope to make the trip.
With funds from its annual turkey raffle, the Harvard Firefighters Association donated a record 35 turkeys to Loaves & Fishes this year, adding to the pantry’s goal of making 350 birds available for distribution this Thanksgiving.
Those who wish to contribute to food distribution efforts can donate money to Loaves & Fishes on its website, loaves fishespantry.org.
Loaves & Fishes Executive Director Patricia Stern is encouraging cash rather than food donations because the latter are subject to a quarantine period. According to the pantry’s website, a $25 donation provides a meal for a family of four. Stern’s message to donors is: “A huge thank you to anybody who has supported us through these difficult times. It’s sincerely appreciated and we couldn’t have continued without the support of our wonderful community.”
The Living Water Fellowship is also accepting donations of checks or gift cards to defray the cost of meal provisions. Checks should be made out to Stone Soup Kitchen and mailed to Living Water Fellowship, 41 Littleton Road, Ayer, MA 01432. Gift cards purchased from Shop ’n Save in Ayer can be delivered to the Stone Soup Kitchen service desk, and cash donations can also be made online at https://iccreditunion.goodcoins.io/causes/4125555.
The Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Harvard is accepting monetary donations as well. Those wishing to contribute can send a grocery store gift card or a check made out to the Holy Trinity Parish with “gift card” written in the memo line. These can be mailed to Holy Trinity Parish, P.O. Box 746, Harvard, MA, 01451.
