Photo by Richard Hurd
Goodman Center sees record demand for Thanksgiving Baskets
Contact:
Amie Hoag, Asst. Dir. of Communications
Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa Street | Madison, WI 53704
920-737-2445 | amie@goodmancenter.org
Goodman Center sees record demand for Thanksgiving Baskets
The Center was forced to close registration two days early
Madison, WI Nov. 2, 2020 – The Goodman Community Center has closed registration for its Thanksgiving Baskets two days early, due to higher-than-ever demand. GCC plans to provide 4,000 families with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and those registration spots have all been filled.
“This is bittersweet, really. On the one hand, we’re glad so many people knew about the program and see Goodman as a place they can rely on for help,” said Francesca Frisque, GCC Food Pantry Coordinator. “On the other hand, we worry about the people who weren’t able to register because we had to close. This is an exceptionally hard year for so many, and we truly wish we could provide every family who needs it with a full Thanksgiving meal.”
As it is, the Center will work hard to provide the 4,000 people who registered with a meal, and they’ll need the help of the community to make that happen. “Achieving our goal feels more important this year than any other,” said Frisque.
The Goodman Center recommends that community members who would like to help by donating food start gathering items now so that by the time donations are open, they will have a bag or two to drop off. Those who are interested can also host a food drive at their work, place of worship, club or neighborhood. A downloadable kit with tips, posters and shopping lists can be found at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving.
For those interested in making a financial contribution, the Center has created a virtual fundraiser kit, also available at goodmancenter.org/thanksgiving. Or, individuals can make financial donations at goodmancenter.org/donate.
“We’ve got a big task in front of us,” said Frisque, “but we’ve seen our community come together to help their neighbors year after year. We’re confident we’ll be able to provide a little comfort to 4,000 Dane County families this Thanksgiving, and we’re so thankful for everyone who has already stepped up and who will step up to help.”
For anyone who tried to register but could not, the Center will hand out left-over full and partial baskets, as well as turkeys on Tuesday, Nov. 24, starting at 10am. No appointment is necessary, and food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the Center runs out.
About the Goodman Community Center
The Goodman Community Center is the largest community center in Dane County. The center offers many programs to strengthen the lives of preschoolers through teens, meals and social activities for older adults, a food pantry, a gymnasium and fitness center, catering services and community space. For more information about the Center, visit goodmancenter.org.
Find Goodman Community Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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