Warwick Ecumenical Council announces 2012 holiday basket program

WARWICK — Once again this year, the Warwick Ecumenical Council is sponsoring Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Basket Program for people who live in the Town of Warwick.
In 2011, the council distributed more than 255 baskets at Thanksgiving and more than 265 baskets at Christmas to families in need of assistance.
“We have seen a huge increase in the use of the Ecumenical Food Pantry and we anticipate an increase in the number of individuals and families who will sign up for baskets this year,” wrote Amy Lawlor in the ecumenical council’s press release announcing this year’s program.

Families or individuals wishing to sign up for a basket can do so at the Warwick United Methodist Church, 135 Forester Ave., starting on Oct. 2. Signup will be every Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 6-8 p.m.
The last dates to sign up are Nov. 8 for Thanksgiving and Dec. 11 for Christmas.

The program is only for Town of Warwick residents. 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 many ways to support the program:

Individuals, families or groups and organizations may adopt a family and provide baskets and gifts.
Individuals or groups can collect food or new toys for the Christmas Shoppe.
Make a cash donation.
Volunteer to help on the days the baskets are distributed Nov. 20 and Dec. 20 at the Warwick United Methodist Church.

For more information, call 986-4457 or 986-8947.