The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching, prompting anxiety among both donors and recipients.
More than 1,000 food baskets were distributed Monday to low-income families at the Volunteers of America mission in conjunction with the Denver law firm of Holme Roberts & Owens.
Each basket provides a gift certificate for a 15- to 20-pound turkey, fresh fruit, sweet potatoes and traditional side dishes.
The VOA noted that there is a “significant increase in need” for the baskets this year.
On Saturday, thousands of Jefferson County residents came to the Jeffco Action Center to receive a free Thanksgiving food box.
Tim Esterdahl of the center said the turnout was unprecedented, spurred by the rise in food prices, utility costs and the economic downturn.
The line began at 6 a.m., with people queuing around the block to receive food.
By the time the doors opened at 9 a.m., said Esterdahl, more than 500 people were waiting, each telling a similar story.
“For them, it was a combination of the worsening economy, skyrocketing medical bills and growing mortgage payments that had brought them out for the free meal,” said Esterdahl.
“The demand is the greatest we have experienced in 40 years,” said Mag Strittmatter, executive director. “Our mission is to help our neighbors in need, and I’m optimistic that our community will join us to meet these challenges — one person, one family at a time.”
Because of the huge jump in demand, the Denver Rescue Mission announced that it needs an additional 2,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to reach its goal of 6,000 turkeys by Wednesday.
The group will use 1,250 turkeys today at a Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box distribution for working poor families and for 1,000 meals on Wednesday.
Donors are asked to drop turkeys off at the Denver Rescue Mission, 1130 Park Ave. West.
A total of 5,141 Jefferson County residents received food for 1,657 households. A total of 2,000 boxes of food were distributed.
Another group collecting food for the holiday season, beginning Monday, are E-470 toll attendants.
E-470 customers are asked to drop off nonperishable food items and monetary donations with the toll attendants at the five E-470 toll plazas.
Running through Dec. 19, the drive will benefit Food Bank of the Rockies, which helps hundreds of programs that assist low-income seniors, the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
Village Inn Restaurants are helping Food Bank of the Rockies as well, donating 4,600 pies.
“This is the most difficult economy I have seen in the six years I’ve been at the food bank,” said Kevin Seggelke, president of Food Bank of the Rockies. “This gesture from the employees of Village Inn, especially during the holiday, is greatly appreciated and will help brighten the spirits by sweetening up many, many family meals.”
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
