Volunteers preparing Thanksgiving food boxes for St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho. (Courtesy photo/Ralph May)
By Ralph May
For the ICR
BOISE — St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho is gearing up to deliver approximately 2,500 Thanksgiving Food Boxes to Ada County families in need of a helping hand.
The 47th annual Thanksgiving Food Box Program is underway in Ada County. The support of the seven local Catholic parishes, many other church congregations, and community-minded companies like Simplot and Albertsons, makes this event possible.
In 2022, this family-to-family act of charity provided Thanksgiving meals to over 13,000 community members. St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho anticipates an even greater need for Thanksgiving Food Boxes this year in light of rising inflation and household costs. Given the financial constraints facing many members of our community, our Thanksgiving Food Box Program remains a beacon of hope, allowing families to partake in the cherished holiday tradition.
The Thanksgiving Food Box Program is only possible through a very caring community spirit. We wholeheartedly invite you to be a part of this season of gratitude with us. You help families from all corners of Ada County embrace the true essence of Thanksgiving by participating in the Thanksgiving Food Box Program. Each box feeds 4 to 6 people and contains a 10- to 12--pound turkey, potatoes, roasting pan, and all of the trimmings.
There are several ways to participate:
Donate A Food Box
You can learn how to donate a completed Thanksgiving Food Box by signing up after Mass at an Ada County parish on Nov. 4-5 or Nov. 11-12. Additionally, you can visit svdpid.org/thanksgiving and select “Donate A Food Box.” Online, you’ll find
registration information, the shopping list, detailed instructions, collection information, and the parishes and congregations taking part in this meaningful endeavor.
Completed boxes can be dropped off at Risen Christ, St. Mark’s, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Mary’s, Holy Apostles, Sacred Heart, St. John’s Cathedral during Saturday evening or Sunday morning Masses on November 18 – 19, or at Expo Idaho on November 19 from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm.
Volunteer to Assemble Food Boxes
You can also volunteer your time. If you would like to give the gift of your time, consider helping assemble Thanksgiving Food Boxes on November 17-18, collecting donated Thanksgiving Food Boxes on November 19, or participating in the distribution on November 20-21. All Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities will be at Expo Idaho (5610 N. Glenwood St, Garden City, ID 83714). To sign up to volunteer, please visit svdpid.org/thanksgiving and select “Volunteer Your Time.”
Make a Financial Donation
You can also cover the cost of a Thanksgiving Food Box by making a financial donation. Each year, St. Vincent de Paul purchases the necessary food items to fill the remaining boxes to ensure that every family registering for a food box can enjoy a heartwarming Thanksgiving meal. A completed food box will cost SVdP around $70. Your contribution directly provides a Thanksgiving meal to a local family. You can make donations online using credit or debit cards by visiting svdpid.org/thanksgiving and selecting “Financial Contribution,” or by sending cash or a check donation to St. Vincent de Paul at 5256 W Fairview Avenue, Boise, ID 83706.
Families Wanting to Receive a Food Box
Families wanting to receive a Thanksgiving Food Box can register starting Saturday, November 4. For detailed information about registration locations and information, please visit svdpid.org/thanksgiving and select “Receive a Food Box.”
This annual St. Vincent de Paul tradition thrives through the collective efforts of individuals like you and your family. It’s a heartwarming opportunity for you and your loved ones to share the gift of a Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbors needing
a helping hand, allowing us all to experience the deeper meaning of the season.
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