Daily News

Gray House Seeks Turkeys and Trimmings to Feed Neighbors in Need

SPRINGFIELD — Thanksgiving is approaching, and the Gray House, a nonprofit human-service agency in the North End of Springfield, is requesting donations to help ensure everyone enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“Thanksgiving is such a special day when we gather with friends and family and express our gratitude for all that we have,” said executive director Teresa Spaziani. “For those who go without the turkey and other traditional dishes, I imagine it would feel like just another meal. We want it to be special for all of our neighbors who can’t afford to purchase a holiday meal or who have to decide between paying the rent or buying food for their family.”

The Gray House provides food-pantry services throughout the year to an average of 80 to 120 families every week. With the holiday approaching, it is expecting an even greater demand, and is seeking donations of frozen turkeys as well as gravy, stuffing, potatoes, canned yams or sweet potatoes, canned vegetables, cake mixes and frosting, pie crust, and pie filling.

“Last year, we were able to provide 525 families with a turkey and sides. The number of families we can provide holiday groceries for truly depends on the number of turkeys donated, so even if you are able to donate one turkey, that means one more family in our neighborhood gets to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” Spaziani said.

In addition to donations, volunteers, especially those who speak Spanish, are also needed to help with registration and distribution. Volunteer opportunities can be found at grayhouse.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Food donations can be dropped off weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Nov. 18, or by appointment at the Gray House, 22 Sheldon St., Springfield. Donors are asked to drive up to the side door the house (near the ramp) and are asked to leave all donations in their car until staff can come out to help unload their cars. Donors are also asked not to leave any donations sitting outside the Gray House.