Donate turkeys and the trimmings to help families in Orange County

MIDDLETOWN ? The Regional Economic Community Action Program needs 700 turkeys for the annual Thanksgiving Basket meal it provides for deserving households in western Orange County. Last year the organization served over 600 families. “This year we would like to hand out 700 turkeys and the entire trimmings,” said Charles Darden, executive director. The shopping bags of turkeys and non-perishable food like gravy, mashed potatoes, canned yams/sweet potatoes, stuffing, rice, cranberry sauce and corned bread mix, along with paper and plastic bags, go to pre-registered families and qualified western Orange County participants. “We do this because Thanksgiving is a special time of year for all families,” said John Strobl, Nutrition Case Advocate for the program. “...some families don’t have the resources to put on a special holiday spread. Help us make sure that everyone who pre-registers will have a Thanksgiving Dinner with their family this holiday season.” Turkeys may be donated at any of the three Planet Wings locations in Middletown. Gifts of non-perishable food and cash donations should go to The Regional Economic Community Action Program at 40 South Street in Middletown or contact John Strobl at 342-3978, ext. 30. All donations are tax deductible.