With Thanksgiving just four weeks away, it's time to start thinking about helping those who will be struggling financially this holiday season. As in past years, Catholic Charities' Holy Family Food Pantry, the Crisis and Advocacy Office, and St. John's Breadline - all in Springfield - are requesting donations to meet the needs of those seeking assistance for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"Our goal is to serve a traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings and a one-week supply of food to the 350 families signed up for our Thanksgiving program," says Janet Nelson, supervisor of Holy Family Food Pantry. "We are also expecting to serve 450 families for the Christmas holiday." She adds that the Breadline will serve hundreds of people a traditional Thanksgiving meal, while the Crisis and Advocacy Office will provide Christmas gifts to needy families.

"We have seen an increase in need this year. That started at the beginning of the year and it has just increased as the year went on," Nelson says. "Things are tight for most, but please consider how difficult that makes it for those who were already dealing with financial difficulties or a crisis."

Food prices have escalated enough that monetary donations must be stretched further than in past years, Nelson points out. "Sometimes people want to give a donation and our volunteers are more than willing to go out and do the shopping. I always used to tell people who wanted to donate the money for a basket that $85 to $100 would cover it," she says. "Now since the price of food has increased so much I have to suggest that it takes $100 to $125 to really get a full basket."

There are many ways to help those who are less fortunate, Nelson says.  "Perhaps a family or group of friends would like to adopt a family for one or both of the holidays. A person could also head up a food or gift drive at a work place, in a neighborhood or with a church group or organization."

People who want to donate a Thanksgiving basket can request a suggested menu list from Nelson. Completed baskets can be dropped off at the Sacred Heart-Griffin West campus at 1601 W. Washington on Monday, Nov. 24 between 7:30 and 10 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload the baskets and distribute them to families. Nelson can also arrange for baskets to be dropped off at the food pantry.  Food items for Christmas will be accepted through Dec. 23.

Some items are more requested than others, Nelson says. Most needed are: canned fruits, soups, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, "helper" meals, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, canned yams or sweet potatoes, boxed potatoes, dessert mixes, white and brown sugar, chips and snack foods, cocoa mix, toilet paper, bath soap, paper towels and toothbrushes and toothpaste.

And what would Thanksgiving be without turkey? Since St. John's Breadline will serve an estimated 900 individuals on Thanksgiving, turkeys are needed by both the Breadline and the food pantry.

 Gifts most requested for the over 1,500 "angels" on the Christmas gift list are: electronic gifts and games, popular Disney movies and toys, African American baby dolls, sports equipment, fishing and camping gear and sleeping bags.

 Gifts or monetary donations can be delivered with the food baskets Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. or sent to Catholic Charities Christmas Programs at 1023 E. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62703.

"We do want to thank all those who have helped meet the needs of struggling families in our community by donating time, talents, food and funds throughout the year," Nelson says. "The generosity of people helps make it possible for Catholic Charities to fulfill our mission, which is ‘to extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus.'" 

To donate a turkey for the Breadline should call Kevin Kindred at (217) 528-6098. For food and turkey donations for Holy Family Food Pantry, call Janet Nelson at (217) 523-2450. For information on the holiday gift program, contact Diane Hopewell, supervisor of the Crisis and Advocacy Office at (217) 523-4551.