PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Food insecurity is rising; however, the Thanksgiving Angels are growing alongside it. 

 

"It's unbelievable how many people are terrified of losing their SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] benefits and are food insecure to begin with, and trying to pay exorbitant amounts of rent and working two and three jobs just to try and make ends meet," said Gretchen DeBartolo, co-chair of the Thanksgiving Angels. 

 

Thanksgiving Angels started signing people up for meal kits during the government shutdown, when it was unclear when people would be getting their SNAP benefits, DeBartolo said.

 

For 14 years, hundreds of community members have banded together to ensure local families can have an authentic Thanksgiving meal with turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and vegetables. This year is no different. 

 

On Monday, recipients lined up at the rear of South Congregational Church 

 

There is a lot of uncertainty  happening all at once surrounding support that includes Section 8 housing and insurance, said Hope Amandos, the Angels other co-chair. 

 

This year, the Angels are donating 2,500 turkeys to ensure those in need can experience the aroma of a freshly cooked meal and full bellies. 

 

The kits include dairy, eggs, milk, butter, cheese, pie or coffee cake, sweet bread, fresh vegetables, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, pasta, carrots, onions, canned corn, canned green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and all the seasoning to make the meal.  

 

For many, the pressure of just getting through their daily life is difficult. That coupled with the expectations of the holidays makes the season very hard for many, DeBartolo said. 

 

Initiatives like this allow people to live a day without the worries of their everyday life, Amandos added. 

 

The effort is supported by a coalition of nearly two dozen local organizations, businesses, and volunteers. 

 

Over the last three weeks of preparation, more than 400 volunteers helped with the project. 

 

On Monday, nearly 200 people, including staff from the Haddad Auto Group, Stop & Shop, and Greylock Federal Credit Union, packed vehicles with all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast.

 

"It takes a village," Amandos said. 

 

Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti was one of the volunteers. He highlighted that the Thanksgiving Angels are stepping up to show that community cares about community. 

 

"I think that the Thanksgiving angels is a really great program. As I have been saying at some of the community events I've been going to — just saying that something is a good thing isn't enough," he said. 

 

"We need to show up and be present and be helpful. So, we're here doing our part to acknowledge all the great work that the volunteers for Thanksgiving Angels do." 

 

Haddad Auto Group staff members also provided rides to individuals without vehicles. 

 

Giving back to the community is part of Haddad Auto Groups DNA, said Shane Rose, Haddad Subaru sales manager. 

 

"Community supports community here, and it's really important for us to give back on a day like this, especially a holiday like Thanksgiving," added Justin Casey, Haddad Subaru general sales manager.

 

The mission of Greylock Federal Credit Union is to care, educate, inspire, and make sure that everyone in the community has equal access to all the basic needs, said Tom Pierce, Greylock's contact center supervisor, in why staff were volunteering on Monday.

 

"The Thanksgiving Angels is a great initiative to make sure that everyone gets a Thanksgiving holiday and everyone's included," he said.

 

"We want to show that we're just like everyone else in the community, and we're accessible and we care, and we're not just some large corporate entity outside of the area." 

 

Stop & Shop donated $2,000 to the Angels and had several volunteers from Berkshire area stores. Additionally, it donated 500 recyclable bags, said Robert Schaentzler, a store manager. 

 

Grocer's mission is "to help out in the local community as much as we can and provide as best services that we can to our community," he said. 

 

Other organizations including Blue Q and Berkshire Health System also donated bags for the initiative.