MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Thousands of Thanksgiving meals are being served across Monongalia County for those in need over the holiday weekend.
On Thanksgiving Day from 2 to 4 p.m., the Salvation Army will offer a free meal at the Hope Cafe inside Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue, and veterans in need can get assistance today by calling 681-758-5633 through Operation Welcome Home. Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m., the Circle of Friends will offer a free meal at the Wesley United Methodist Church sponsored by the Morgantown North Rotary Club.
The Scott’s Run Settlement House began sign-ups for their Thanksgiving meal program in October. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director Michael Richard said they provided a mix of gift cards, turkeys, fresh vegetables, and side dishes depending on what was available. Distributions are made regularly from their Osage location and the second location on Fairchance Road.
“Over the last month and a half we have given Thanksgiving meals out to about 1,900 people in Monongalia County, and we also have our food pantry program that usually feeds up to 1,100 people a month, and then we have our senior feeding program and things like that,” Richard said.
Pantry Plus More also started early with weekend programs to distribute gift cards and Thanksgiving meal supplies to 650 families, according to Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom.
“Plus then we have the outreach that goes to Beulah, Wadestown, Ridgedal, and the outreach facilitators that call on emergencies,” Bloom said.
Richard said many of those being served are working families that have been severely impacted by continued inflation.
“Unfortunately, there are negative stereotypes for those that need help,” Richard said. “A good majority of the people we serve work full-time or part-time as much as they can to make ends meet and get by.”
Richard said as an organization they’ve been able to ease the impact of inflation with support from the community, but still they’ve been forced to make tough decisions when it comes to purchasing basic food needs for growing number of people.
“The dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to as far as getting things, and requests for help keep going up,” Richard said. “A couple of years ago we were under 1,000 for the Thanksgiving meal, and now we’re above 2,000.”
Richard said the sign-up period for their Christmas programs is open, and families are asked to register as soon as they can. Sponsors and donations for the programs are also sought. Call 304-599-5020.
Bloom encouraged people to make donations by dropping off items at 9 Rousch Drive at Pantry Plus More or making a financial donation to the non-profit or cause of their choice. For more information about Pantry Plus More, call 304-241-4751.
“Look at your kids and be thankful, and for the kids say thank you,” Bloom said. “You never know how lucky you are, especially with the drugs and the situations that can happen. It can happen to anyone at any time.”