NORTHBOROUGH – The feeling of community was in the air as volunteers, organizations and local businesses gathered to prepare Thanksgiving bags at the Northborough Senior Center.
On the morning of Nov. 19, the volunteers put together 125 bags filled with items for a Thanksgiving meal, which were later distributed that afternoon. According to Northborough Helping Hands Association’s Colleen Lupien, there were 60 bags for seniors and 65 for families.
“The Thanksgiving project is a true coming together of community,” said Marcia Roman.
According to Lupien, the recipients received a turkey, pie and a bag of food — all donated. Turkeys came from Juniper Hill Golf Course’s Turkey Day, the Northborough Lions Club, St. Bernadette and Wegmans. The Northborough Police Association contributed funds to support the senior holiday gift bags. St. Bernadette also provided the senior bags, Craftworks the cranberry sauce, Junior Womans Club the stuffing mixes, the Rotary Club the rolls, the moms group the potatoes, Church of the Nativity the carrots, Davidians the apples, Central One Federal Credit Union the bags, Yellick’s Farm the poinsettias, Abu Realtors the gift bags and so on.
“Each organization does a little bit, and when you pull it together, it’s a lot,” said Roman.
After the recipients picked up their food, they received gift cards for the grocery store and to purchase gifts for their children for the holidays. The gift cards come from Northborough Helping Hands Association’s Making Spirits Bright campaign.
Lupien said the community effort was the best part of being involved in the project.
“We get to connect with all kinds of people through town, and when you’re giving, you’ll see — the hugs we get, the thanks,” said Lupien.
“You can tell they’re very appreciative of what they’re getting. It’s just a true community spirit kind of project,” added Roman.
For more information on Northborough Helping Hands Association’s holiday outreach, visit https://www.northboroughhelpinghands.org/outreach.html.
