The Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club is marking their 31st year of assembling Thanksgiving baskets next Wednesday, preparing full holiday meals for 24 families in the community.
The club says the number of baskets has increased for the second year in a row as members work to meet rising needs.
“Each basket will include a plump turkey with all the fixings for a full Thanksgiving dinner, a few extras, and a holiday table runner—sewn by an anonymous donor—to add a special touch to the families’ holiday décor. Club members donate the majority of the food items and/or give monetary contributions. The Rotary is accepting community donations to purchase additional items needed to enhance each bounty-filled basket.”
Flowers Early Learning, formerly Tri-County Head Start, will distribute the meals to families identified by the organization.
The Rotary says the program is one way it supports residents facing food insecurity during the holidays.
The club is also collecting new, unwrapped educational toys for children ages 3 to 12 on behalf of Educational Toys for the Needy & Aid. Donations will be accepted through December 13. The nonprofit was founded by Eddie Marshall, who created the program in adulthood after experiencing a Christmas without gifts as a child.
Rotary leaders say both initiatives aim to strengthen community connections and support families in need.
The Annual Thanksgiving Basket Donation for area families as well as the toy drive for Educational Toys for the Needy & Aid taking place on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 AM at The Secret Garden at the Harbor located at 209 W Main St. in Benton Harbor.
More information on the club is available at bhsunriserotary.org.
