Thanksgiving is upon us, with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie decking tables across the West Valley. But for many families, with rising costs for housing, utilities, childcare, and more, getting Thanksgiving dinner together can seem far out of reach.
To help spread the joy of the holiday, several local organizations, in partnership with grocery company Safeway, are teaming up to deliver fully prepared Thanksgiving meals to more than 120 families in need.
“We’re proud to support the Cupertino Rotary Club’s annual Thanksgiving meals program,” said Safeway’s Wendy Gutshall.
Cupertino Rotary, West Valley Community Services, Fremont Union School District, Cupertino Union School District, Cupertino Senior Center, and Live Oak Adult Center Cupertino have each provided lists of between 15 and 30+ families that make up the recipients.
“This community project is very special, as we meet the families and appreciate the positive and joyous reaction we receive when they receive their meal,” said George Denise, project chair, Cupertino Rotary.
The effort takes a significant amount of coordination and volunteer power to get the lists developed and the meals out in a timely manner.
Christine Nguyen of West Valley Community Services of Cupertino noted the process, “West Valley Community Services puts together a list of families we know are in need and we pass on to Cupertino Rotary with instructions and directions for Thanksgiving dinner delivery.”
For many Cupertino Rotary volunteers, the act of giving is fulfilling – and an opportunity to make service a family activity.
“Some of us deliver more than two meals,” said Henry Buffalow, Cupertino Rotary’s Community Services Chair.
Buffalow added, “In my case my daughter, son in law and two grandsons have been delivering for many years. They look forward to it and the boys get free donuts.”
