For a $20 sponsorship, donors can feed an entire family a meal for Thanksgiving.
The third annual Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry Feed A Family sponsorship program began this week and donors will be able to sponsor a needy family through Nov. 14. Jessica Lewis, JLFP director, says as of Monday, 30 families have been sponsored.
“That $20 goes to purchase a turkey with all of the sides, including a dessert,” Lewis said. “The donors can choose to remain anonymous, but if they choose not to, their name is printed on the bag with the family’s name. All donations are tax deductible.”
Applicants must meet the USDA poverty guidelines, she said. Families can turn in their applications during the week or on distribution days with the next two set for Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 14. She says on Nov. 14, families will get their normal food box with an invitation for the next weekend to pick up their Thanksgiving bag.
Anyone is welcome to sponsor a family, including companies, nonprofit organizations and individuals, Lewis said. She says organizations have sponsored multiple families.
Cash and checks will be accepted, and this year, sponsorships may be paid through PayPal at [email protected]. If writing a check, write Feed a Family in the memo line.
Last year, 600 families were sponsored, and Lewis hopes to exceed that number this year.
Sponsorships can be mailed in to JLFP, 408 Broadway in Minden, or dropped off at the Broadway location. If the office is not open, Lewis says donors may slide their applications or contributions into the mail slot on the front door.
Lewis says they will announce a date for volunteers who wish to help pack the Thanksgiving bags.