Lamar County Rallies to Provide Thanksgiving Stuffing for Families in Need

Despite the rising costs of stuffing boxes, the Downtown Food Pantry in Lamar County is hopeful that the community will come together to collect 5,000 boxes to ensure a special Thanksgiving meal for those in need. The pantry serves an average of 850 families per week, about 24% of the local population annually, and is seeking the public's support to meet the increased demand for this essential holiday staple.

Uniting the Community to Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Overcoming Inflation's Impact on Thanksgiving Essentials

The cost of stuffing boxes has risen significantly due to inflation, with generic brands costing around $1 and name-brand options ranging from $2 to $3 per box. Despite these increased expenses, the Downtown Food Pantry is determined to provide two boxes of stuffing to each family they serve, ensuring that no one goes without this Thanksgiving tradition.

The Pantry's Vital Role in the Community

The Downtown Food Pantry plays a crucial role in supporting the Lamar County community, serving an average of 850 families per week, which equates to approximately 24% of the local population each year. This essential service provides families in need with access to essential groceries and holiday staples, helping to alleviate food insecurity and ensure that everyone can enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving feast.

Rallying the Community: A Friendly Campus Challenge

To meet the increased demand for stuffing boxes, the Downtown Food Pantry is once again partnering with Paris ISD for a friendly campus-versus-campus contest. This annual "Stuff the Bus" effort has proven to be a successful way to engage the community and encourage friendly competition, with Paris ISD delivering more than 3,000 boxes every year.

Expanding the Reach: Inviting All to Participate

The Downtown Food Pantry is not only relying on Paris ISD but is also encouraging other school districts, Sunday school classes, civic clubs, and businesses to join in the effort. The pantry is challenging these groups to engage in a good-natured rivalry to see who can donate the most boxes of stuffing, further expanding the reach of this important initiative.

Convenient Donation Opportunities

The Downtown Food Pantry has made it easy for the community to contribute by accepting donations of stuffing boxes, both generic and name-brand, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The pantry is located just one block northwest of the Lamar County Courthouse, making it accessible for those wishing to drop off their donations.

A Heartfelt Plea for Community Support

Executive Director Allan Hubbard has expressed his gratitude for the community's past generosity and has made a heartfelt plea for continued support. He acknowledges that the increased costs of stuffing boxes may stretch some donors a little thinner this year, but he emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the families the pantry serves can enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving meal.The Downtown Food Pantry's Thanksgiving stuffing drive is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the transformative impact that can be achieved when people come together to support those in need. As the holiday season approaches, the Lamar County community is once again being called upon to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of its most vulnerable members.