"The Thanksgiving baskets have a long tradition of Wrangell neighbors helping other neighbors who are having hard times," said Don and Bonnie Roher. "This is our 18th year of working with the Thanksgiving Baskets."
Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and share a delicious meal. Of course, as many people know, preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be an expensive prospect. For many people, it is simply beyond their budget to prepare the Thanksgiving meal they would want to have. Don said that the holiday can be a very stressful time for people, and that is where the Thanksgiving baskets come in.
The baskets, a collaborative project with the Salvation Army and the Wrangell Ministerial Association, are a way for families and people on a budget to get the materials for Thanksgiving dinner. According to documents provided by the Roher family, the organizers of the handout, the baskets are divided according to the size of the family receiving them. Each basket comes with traditional Thanksgiving items like a 12-pound turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and many other items.
"We expect to hand out about $5,000 worth of food," Don said.
Don said that, generally, single-parent families are given a high priority for receiving a basket. Another target demographic for them are families who are dealing with tragedy, such as death or ongoing sickness. However, regular families and single individuals are more than welcome to apply for a basket, as well. Don said that they expect to serve 80 to 85 families this year.
"There's a lot of satisfaction in it, and there's a lot of stress in it," he said. "It is work. It takes a lot of hard work putting this together."
People who do not want a basket themselves, but who would like to make a donation or to sponsor a family, can do so through the Wrangell Ministerial Association. Excess food and funds after the handout will be sent to the Salvation Army. To volunteer with putting together the baskets and handing them out, call the Rohers at (907) 305-0319, or the Salvation Army at (907) 874-3753.
To receive a basket, Don or Bonnie Roher must be contacted by Nov. 13. The baskets will be handed out at Harbor Light Church on Nov. 16, from noon to 6 p.m.
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