Donate a Thanksgiving food box to families in need in Boise, Ada County
It’s November, which means it’s go time. The Thanksgiving holiday will be here quicker than we can stow away our Halloween costumes.
Soon we’ll be bobbing and weaving other carts in the grocery store to pick up that turkey and all the fixins for that much-anticipated dinner with the fam. A home-cooked meal, topped off with two servings of pie and a nap. Does it get any better?
But before putting ourselves into a food coma, we reflect as a family on all the things for which we are grateful. And it’s difficult not to think of those who are struggling and might not get a delicious, warm meal on this day.
Thankfully, there is a way to give less fortunate families a turkey day to remember.
St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho, whose mission is preventing homelessness, will continue its tradition of giving through its Thanksgiving food box outreach program, which distributes boxes of food to Ada County families in need.
The boxes contain a 10-pound turkey (or bigger), 10 pounds of potatoes, a roasting pan and all the trimmings to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four to six.
Because of how hard inflation has hit people, the 46th annual program is planning to hand out approximately 3,000 food boxes this year, according to a press release.
For those interested in providing a meal to families, there are two ways:
▪ Shop for the items from a provided grocery list and prepare a food box yourself. An empty food box will be supplied by St. Vincent de Paul or a participating church. Go to svdpid.org/thanksgiving-box-how-to-donate.
▪ Or if you are not quite comfortable shopping in store, just make a financial contribution, and St. Vincent de Paul will buy the items and compile a box on your behalf. Go to svdpid.org/thanksgiving-contribute-financially.
Those in need of a Thanksgiving meal can begin registering on Monday, Nov. 7. Visit svdpid.org/receive-a-box for list of registration dates and locations. There is a limit of one box per Ada County home. Bring your photo ID and proof of current address. Last day to register is Thursday, Nov. 17.
Food boxes will then be given out to the registered families at Expo Idaho on Nov. 21-22. The pickup details will be arranged during individual registration.
For more information on the St. Vincent de Paul program, or if you are interested in volunteering to distribute the boxes, go to svdpid.org/thanksgiving.