Bridgeport Rescue Mission asking for help to purchase turkeys for those in need
Registration is not required for the food giveaway. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
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With Thanksgiving just over a week away, most people have already decided what dish they're bringing to the table. But for those who can't afford some of the Thanksgiving staples, they might have to make some hard decisions. This year, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission is working to ensure those families don't have to.
The organization is preparing for its annual 'Great Thanksgiving Project' this week. The rescue mission will give free food to anyone who needs it on the following days and times:
Wednesday, Nov. 19 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 20 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 21 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
"We're prepared to give away 6,000 meals," said Rhonda Neal, CEO of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
The project started years ago, after the organization realized that residents who were not homeless could prepare food at home, but didn't have the groceries.
Neal said Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut, and with the poverty rate almost twice the state level, rising prices aren't helping.
"The state rate is about 10%. Bridgeport is close to 20%. And just because somebody's poor doesn't mean that they don't matter. And if we can come together as a community to support them on a day of thanks, then that's what we're here for," Neal said.
With less than 48 hours to the first day of food distribution, the organization is still short by approximately 2,000 turkeys.
"We think that the need will increase a little bit, just because things are so expensive, right? And so, now we're just putting a call out to the community for this week, if we could either get the turkeys or get resources to buy more turkeys, we want to feed as many families as possible."
Registration is not required for the food giveaway. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you would like to donate a turkey to someone in need, visit the Bridgeport Rescue Mission website. Donations can also be dropped off at their warehouse on Connecticut Avenue.
