Help fight hunger at the holidays

WARWICK — The Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry has commenced its 2016 Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Basket Program to benefit hungry families.
"Through the generosity of our community, the program provides all the makings of a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner," Glenn Dickes, the director of the Food Pantry said in a press release announcing this year's efforts. "In addition, at Christmas children 16 years of age or younger receive a gift and parents have an opportunity to purchase additional presents in our Christmas Shop at nominal cost."
Families wishing to receive baskets need to provide two items, with physical street address (no post office boxes), evidencing residence in the Town of Warwick.
Acceptable evidence includes: driver’s license or non-driver’s identification; lease or rental agreement; utility bill (electric, gas, oil, propane); telephone, internet service or cable television bill; green card; letter from school or employer verifying residence; or other similar evidence.
Sign-up for the program began Sept. 29 and concludes Tuesday, Nov. 1. There will be no sign-ups after that date.
Sign-up takes place at Warwick United Methodist Church, 135 Forester Ave., corner of Galloway Road of Route 17A, entry at the far right from the rear parking lot.
Hours are Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Members of the community who wish to help may do so best by providing a basket for either or both holidays, with opportunities available from single-person senior households to large multi-generational families.
Community members also may volunteer on distribution days (Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Dec. 22).
Expressions of interest may be made to 986-8368 or info@warwickpantry.org.
The pantry always is pleased to receive monetary donations to help support the program.
Monetary donations may be delivered or mailed to the church, attention: Holiday Food Basket Program, or made by credit card at www.warwickpantry.org.