Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project Prepares to Serve 1,300 Families

MIDDLETOWN, CT – The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project (MCTP) is once again preparing to support local families in need of Thanksgiving meals this holiday season, with organizers anticipating serving more families than ever before. Registration for Thanksgiving baskets will open Monday, October 26, and continue through Friday, November 20.

The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project was established to ensure that every family in Middletown has the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, regardless of their financial situation. Middlesex United Way, which serves as the project's fiduciary, joins a growing list of community organizations and volunteers to continue this effort each year.

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Individuals and families may register for a basket in person at Amazing Grace Food Pantry, 16 Stack Street in Middletown, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30am to 4pm, beginning October 26 and ending November 20. (Registration will not be available on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day). An additional registration opportunity will be held at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street in Middletown, on Wednesday, November 4, from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

To register, individuals must provide proof of Middletown residence or show that they regularly shop at Amazing Grace Food Pantry, as well as identification for each member of the family. Acceptable proof of Middletown residence includes a utility bill, driver's license or Connecticut ID, lease agreement or rental receipts. Acceptable forms of identification include a birth certificate, medical card, driver's license, DSS or housing listing, or Social Security card.

Basket pickup will take place on Tuesday, November 24, from 11am to 3pm at Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road in Middletown. Pickup will once again be drive-through, and participants are asked to have their ticket ready and remain in their vehicle. A walk-up area will be available for those arriving by bus. Participants should also be prepared to lift and transport their baskets, which may be heavy.

"Last year, we were able to provide Thanksgiving meals to close to 1,200 families, and this year we are preparing for 1,300 as the need in our community continues to rise," said Lara SantaMaria, Coordinator of the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project. "This effort is only possible because of the incredible support we receive from organizations, businesses, volunteers and donors throughout our community."

To help meet the increased need, MCTP is seeking new community partners, businesses, and organizations to support this year's effort. Two of the project's greatest needs are store-bought pies and potatoes.

The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project is also accepting monetary donations to help purchase food and other needed items. Checks can be made payable to "MCTP" and mailed to MCTP, c/o Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457.

Those interested in volunteering, becoming a community partner, or contributing food or other resources should contact Lara SantaMaria at Fellowship Church by calling 860-346-1181 or emailing MCTP2013@yahoo.com.

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