Thanksgiving food distribution

LORAIN — A person's situation can change quickly. Anyone who has had a loss of income due to layoffs or an unexpected expense shouldn't have to sacrifice a good meal for Thanksgiving. On Nov. 21, Second Harvest Food Bank (Second Harvest), the city of Willard, Willard Parks and Recreation and the Willard Church of God are teaming up again to provide 500 Thanksgiving meals to Huron County residents. "The holidays are a time to come together. We want to make sure everyone has access to enough food for the whole family to enjoy, said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest. "The continued support of our Willard partners allows us to serve throughout the year and culminates in our mobile distribution at Thanksgiving." This year's distribution will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Willard Parks and Recreation, 561 W Laurel St. in Willard. Registration is required for the Thanksgiving distribution. To register, go to secondharvestfoodbank.org or call 440-434-2441. "I am excited to serve at the Thanksgiving distribution in Willard because the need is definitely there," said Vonda Patrick, Coordinator for Blessing Basket Food Pantry at Willard Church of God. "I love to serve and appreciate Second Harvest for all they do for Willard and the surrounding communities. I've always felt that it is better to give than to receive and meet the needs of the people." Drivers may pick up packages for two families, but they must sign up separately and have their own registration codes. Attendees must have their registration codes visible to enter the distribution line. Eligibility is based on income and household size; a chart is available on Second Harvest's website to help residents determine if they qualify. Proof of income is not required, but those who register will be asked to attest to their income. Home delivery is not available for the Thanksgiving food packages. The Willard Parks and Recreation distribution is intended for Huron County residents, while other distributions are being held at Galion City Schools in Crawford County on Nov. 8, BGSU Firelands in Erie County on Nov. 14 and LCCC in Lorain County on Nov. 18 for residents in those areas. Second Harvest hopes to distribute 3,300 Thanksgiving food packages over the four counties. Each Thanksgiving box will include shelf-stable food, a turkey, apples, onions, potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, margarine, pumpkin pie, stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin and cornbread mix. "We try to include all the items you would need for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and then some, Chase-Morefield said. "We want to take one worry off someone's plate." Answers to frequently asked questions are available on Second Harvest's website at secondharvestfoodbank.org.