How you can help the less fortunate this Thanksgiving season

Thanksgiving, as the name implies, is the time of year where families often come together and give thanks for all that they have been fortunate to have in their lives.

For most, Thanksgiving is also a day to enjoy a big turkey dinner. This tradition is enjoyed by many, but some may not be fortunate enough to afford a big meal. However, there are ways the community can help deliver a great dinner for everyone!

Executive Director of the Strathmore Overnight Shelter Elizabeth Karp said any donations would go a long way.

"Turkeys would be nice ahead of time, and any kind of food and vegetables is helpful. Food items like stuffing, things that people would like for a meal," she said.

While Thanksgiving specific items would be great, Karp said any food donations would be greatly appreciated, so long as it's bought in a store. She won't be able to accept things like home made cookies due to health and safety concerns. Gift cards could also be a great donation, so people can go out and buy what they need themselves.

You can also donate to the Wheatland County Foodbank, and Executive Director Lynette Aschenbrenner also spoke on the importance of donating, especially since many people have been struggling with covid the last couple of years.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of people accessing our food banks, and that has been ongoing for the last year. Around Thanksgiving it does get busier as well," she said.

Aschenbrenner said they aren't doing a specific Thanksgiving food drive so any and all donations continue to be appreciated, but turkeys would be especially special.

"I'm sure families would love to have turkeys, and if people could donate them that would be amazing. We always have fresh vegetables that already go into our hampers anyways, so the addition of the turkey would be the extra thing for them."

While most people have their minds on food and turkey, Karp added the Overnight Shelter is also doing the coat program, so any gently used coats could also help people as we approach winter.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@strathmorenow.com