Project Self-Sufficiency is soliciting assistance for hundreds of low-income families who need a little extra help this season, by asking area residents and organizations to donate traditional Thanksgiving food, or to donate funds towards the purchase of food. The agency will gratefully receive pumpkin or apple pies; canned vegetables, including yams and cranberry sauce; dinner rolls; gravy; stuffing and mashed potato mixes. Contributions of frozen turkeys will also be greatly appreciated; however, donors are asked to alert the agency ahead of time if frozen turkeys will be donated. The non-profit agency distributes complete Thanksgiving dinners to hundreds of local families each year.

“We expect to serve nearly 500 families this year, since many families will not be attending traditional gatherings and will therefore be cooking for themselves,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Due to the pandemic, requests for assistance are pouring in every day. However, our wonderfully generous community has consistently demonstrated compassion towards our participants during the holidays and we are confident that this year will be no exception. “

Contributions, or notification of the intent to contribute, are requested by Friday, November 13th, to allow ample time to distribute the goods to needy families. Frozen turkeys can be delivered on Monday, November 23rd, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; turkeys cannot be accepted earlier or later due to the lack of refrigerated storage space. Monetary donations, which will be used to purchase turkeys and other necessary items, can be dropped off at the agency or made online at www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Individuals and families who need help at Thanksgiving are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500. Project Self-Sufficiency has served families in northwestern New Jersey for more than 30 years. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and to improve their lives and the lives of their children. The agency offers a supportive family-centered environment where life issues are addressed through a combination of individual counseling, peer support groups, case management services, parenting skills training, life skills management training, home visits, childcare and early childhood education, family activities and health education.
Thanksgiving donations will be gratefully accepted at Project Self-Sufficiency which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. To donate, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.