ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — High prices at the grocery store are impacting many families, and with the holidays right around the corner, some are wondering if they will be able to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table.
“As you can imagine, it’s really tough right now to feed a family and take care of the financial needs, so we are seeing more people, and we’re also seeing multiple visits, sometimes six to eight visits,” Limestone County Churches Involved Director Sarah Chadwell said.
Limestone County Churches Involved (LCCI) provides food assistance every week, but they partner with local churches and other community organizations to do a little bit more around the holidays.
“We’re just asking the community to help us provide additional food for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so they can enjoy the holidays,” Chadwell said.
The annual Stuff a Truck event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the First National Bank at 1880 Hwy 72 East in Athens. The truck will be parked at the bank from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The most-needed items include canned meats and vegetables, boxed potatoes, stuffing mixes and other non-perishables for a holiday meal. Donations of other canned goods and household items, like dish soap, laundry detergent and hygiene products are also welcome.
The items will be taken back to the LCCI office and sorted. Families will have an opportunity to pick up a bag before Thanksgiving.
The first Stuff a Truck event held in Athens was organized in 2004 and the donations have helped many people over the years.
“People ask us about it, ‘When does it start?'” Chadwell said. “They’re so excited when we tell them we’re going to give them turkey and all the fixings. It’s like presenting somebody with a gift.”
If you would like to donate but are unable to participate in Saturday’s event, you can bring monetary and food donations to the LCCI office located at 201 N Jefferson St. in Athens.