Community Food Pantry Offers ‘Everything But The Turkey’

TAMPA, FL – While many organizations help families enjoy the families with a free turkey to those in need, the Community Food Pantry in Carrollwood Village is helping with all the trimmings.

The pantry will host its second Everything But the Turkey giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Village Presbyterian Church, 13115 S. Village Drive. Those looking for a little help with their Thanksgiving dinner only need to go through the circular driveway on the east side of the church to receive their donations.

Monica Wilson, the director of the Community Food Pantry, said the organization focused on giving away turkeys for many years. The congregation at Village Presbyterian would help provide small gift carts to the pantry’s clients for a turkey. But as the need for holiday assistance has grown, Wilson said they wanted to do more.

“So, although we do not have the capacity at this time to store 400 turkeys, we can store everything but the turkey,” she said. “We provide just about every side you can imagine for your mean and even some bags are filled with plates, napkins or holiday tablecloths.”

Wilson said they are hoping to serve between 400 and 500 people during the two hours of the event, up from last year’s 300. Most care packages will have mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and paper plates.

“The holiday season can be stressful enough with friends and family gatherings, and the last thing anyone wants to think about is not having enough for their own family,” Wilson said. “We hope that providing ‘everything but the turkey,’ we can make our families’ Thanksgiving meal a little brighter.”

People seeking assistance with their Thanksgiving dinner do not need to be clients of the Community Food Pantry in order to receive a care package during Everything But the Turkey. No prior appointments or registration is required.

“Anyone in our community who needs a hand-up this holiday may receive a bag of groceries at our Everything But the Turkey distribution,” Wilson said.

Even though the Everything But the Turkey event happens five days before Thanksgiving, Wilson said the pantry is still accepting donations for holiday meals.

“We can always use donations of holiday side items like mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned vegetables pie crusts and filling, etc.,” she said. “There is no donation that is wrong at this time of year. What isn’t shared for Thanksgiving will feed thousands in December.”

Wilson said the community has jumped in and have been extremely supportive and creative. Last year, David Weekley Homes donated 200 turkeys on the day of the event as an added bonus. And for the second year in a row, Bob Conigliaro, the vice president of community relations with Caspers Company McDonald’s Restaurants, will provide breakfast for the event’s volunteers.

This year’s lineup of volunteers during the event includes Dr. Tommy Lane from Lane Family Chiropractic, Together in Peace, Tate & Tilly Boutique Carrollwood, the Carrollwood Area Business Association, The Fountain Group, Village Presbyterian, Tampa Catholic High School girls lacrosse team, cheerleaders and BETA Club, Jesuit High School, Gaither High School, Steinbrenner High School, Sickles High School National Honor Society, Carrollwood Elementary, Hillsborough High School International Baccalaureate, Lowery Elementary School, Wiregrass High School, Learning Gate Community School fall festival, office staff and Cub Scout Pack 37, Grace Lutheran Church Youth Group, All American Dance Factory and Stars Athletics.

Wilson said there are many more individuals and families who have donated food, full holiday bags and their time.

For more information, visit http://www.thecommunityfoodpantry.com/.

Images courtesy of Community Food Pantry