LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — God's Pantry is continuing its tradition of giving less-fortunate families all they need for a Thanksgiving meal.
Chief Executive Michael Halligan said if this year goes to plan, it will be the biggest yet.
They're on track to give 5,500 families in eastern and central Kentucky Thanksgiving dinners.
"We get so many smiles and so many thank you's and so many blessings," Halligan said. "For us and for our volunteers and our donors, that's the reason why we do it."
The food is distributed to many families who would likely not have a Thanksgiving dinner without the help.
"Is it about the food? Is it about the meal? Yes," Halligan said. "But more importantly it's about the hope that that meal brings. It's about the good cheer that that meal brings. It's about providing people with an opportunity to maybe feel a little bit more normal, at least for a day, and to help them on their journey to more success in life. That's why we do Sharing Thanksgiving."
Families receive boxes with a turkey, fresh potatoes, onions, eggs, butter, stuffing, cornbread, gravy, corn and anything else needed to create a Thanksgiving meal.
The food for Fayette-based families is passed out to families at Southland Christian Church. Families are pre-selected after being referred by community agencies.
Families picked up the food all day Monday, and will be able to do so on Tuesday from 10 p.m.- 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
God's Pantry will continue to accept donations to fund the Sharing Thanksgiving distribution. Donations can be made by mailing a check to: God's Pantry Food Bank, 1685 Jaggie Fox Way, Lexington, KY 40511.
Donations can also be made at godspantry.org.
