Ecumenical Council seeks community support this holiday season

Warwick — The Warwick Ecumenical Council will sponsor its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Basket Program again this year. Through the council, the community generously provides the less fortunate in the Town of Warwick all the makings of a dinner at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In recent years, the Ecumenical Council provided baskets for each holiday to more than 160 families. At Christmas, in addition to the holiday meal, children age 16 and younger receive gifts and their parents may purchase presents at reduced prices at the Council’s Christmas Shop. Registration to receive baskets during this holiday season will be at the Ecumenical Council Food Pantry at the Warwick United Methodist Church, 135 Forester Ave. Sign-ups are currently open from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The deadline for Thanksgiving occurred this week and the deadline for Christmas is Dec. 7. The program is open to Town of Warwick residents, only. Two proofs of identification and town residency are required to register to receive baskets. A bill showing name and physical address qualifies. Post office box addresses are not acceptable. Farm workers should bring a letter from the school their children attend, an electric bill or a letter from their employer verifying their address. There are two ways to support the program. Community members may adopt a family, providing baskets and gifts, or volunteer to help on the days the baskets are distributed, Nov. 21 and Dec. 21. To get involved, call 845-986-4930. It is a wonderful way to include the spirit of reaching out to others in our holiday celebrations.