As you begin to stock your pantry for Thanksgiving, consider giving to organizations that will support the community during the holidays. Two local groups are collecting from the public to meet these needs.
W&M Campus Kitchens Organizes Turkeypalooza
An entirely student-run group is providing a Thanksgiving feast for families who would not have one otherwise.
The Campus Kitchens Project is a national organization that works to meet hunger and nutritional needs in local communities. They partner with 33 schools across the country, where student volunteers collect food, prepare and deliver it.
At William & Mary, the Campus Kitchen recovers food from local donors to serve nearly 200 food insecure residents each week.
The club is gearing up for its annual Turkeypalooza, which delivers a full Thanksgiving meal to their clients and other members of the community in need.
The number of meals distributed is dependent on help from the public, and the Campus Kitchen is asking for donations to assist them in amassing as many birds as possible.
Coordinator Katie Graap said they collect an average of 40 turkeys for Turkeypalooza, many of which come through the W&M dining facilities.
While the Campus Kitchen regularly cooks and packages meals in space in the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, they will deliver the turkeys, uncooked, on Nov. 22 for clients to prepare in time for Thanksgiving.
“One turkey’s enough stress,” Graap said.
They will include the makings for a full dinner with stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and more. The William & Mary Law School is conducting a food drive that supports Turkeypalooza.
The Campus Kitchen will welcome donations to purchase turkeys through Friday. Checks can be made to “Campus Kitchens at William and Mary” and mailed to The Campus Kitchen, Org. #81, P.O. Box 8793, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
In addition to monetary donations, Graap said the organization would appreciate canned goods, and especially proteins. Canned tuna, chicken and beans are not Thanksgiving staples, but Graap explained “they help us provide well-rounded meals all year long.”
To learn more about the Campus Kitchen at William & Mary, visit their website.
Go Ape! Food Drive for a Discount
They’re not asking for bananas, but Go Ape! is requesting your food contributions.
The outdoor adventure course is collecting non-perishable food during November and December to support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is in need of canned vegetables, fruits and meats, and hearty meaty soups. They will also accept monetary donations, and a gift of $1 can serve as many as four meals.
Donations will be collected at the Go Ape! cabin. Go Ape! is offering a 10 percent discount to any guests bringing a contribution to the drive. They recommend booking visits ahead of time, but the discount will be applied upon arrival.
Go Ape! is located at 5537 Centerville Road in Williamsburg. For hours and more information, call 800-971-8271 or visit the company’s website.
