1,700 Thanksgiving Meals; Giving Thanks (and Food)

1,700 Thanksgiving Meals

National Life Group will be distributing 1,700 Thanksgiving meals this year, notes Beth Rusnock, president of the National Life Group Foundation, and also the head of corporate communications and community relations for National Life Group.

“This year is a bit different than in years past,” Rusnock said in an email to The Bridge. “While we’re still partnering with Sodexo to provide 500 free Thanksgiving meals, we’re also working with Sugarbush Resort, which stepped in to provide 1,200 free meals.” 

Also new this year, the meals will be distributed via key organizations including Elevate Youth Services, Good Samaritan Haven, Montpelier Senior Activity Center, North Barre Manor, Just Basics, and the local Salvation Army, according to a press release from National Life, which also noted that ten local businesses and organizations donated food to make the meals possible.

“This is a record number for us and we’re humbled to be the conduit to make this happen,” Rusnock said.

—Cassandra Hemenway

Giving Thanks (and Food)

Dani Smith recently posted for Just Basics, the Montpelier Food Pantry on Front Porch Forum, noting special needs for Thanksgiving, which include:

• Turkeys (whole, frozen birds)
• Foil pans for baking turkeys
• Boxes of stuffing
• Boxes of instant potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Canned vegetables, such as green beans and corn
• Spices and seasonings (salt and pepper shakers are always a hit!)
• Baking supplies, such as small bags of sugar, flour, pie filling, pumpkin, canola oil, etc.
• Baking mixes, such as brownie, cake, and muffin mixes

Bring donations to Just Basics at 90 Main Street on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The entrance is just off East State Street; follow the green signs.

—Bridge Staff