On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, nearly 20 volunteers helped 125 local households enjoy a full Thanksgiving feast by providing all the traditional staples.

More than 2,000 pounds of turkey, 70 pounds of butter, 300 pounds of potatoes, squash and carrots, 150 dozen crescent rolls and 125 pies went home with residents from the 13 towns served by the Peterborough Food Pantry. The food pantry is a program of Peterborough Area Community Aid.

Turkey partners include Monadnock Community Hospital, which donated 40 turkeys and 18 pumpkin pies. MilliporeSigma in Jaffrey donated 28 turkeys. 

"This year, Monadnock Community Hospital and MilliporeSigma provided more than half of our turkeys,” pantry President Glo Morison stated. “We'd love to have more businesses join our annual Turkey Give. That would directly free up funds for our Emergency Aid Program, which we use to support local residents facing other financial challenges, such as crippling car repair bills. We know that paying for auto repairs is almost as critical as providing food in our region."

The Cornucopia Project in Peterborough grew and donated fresh produce, and other produce, turkeys and Shaw’s gift cards came from the New Hampshire Food Bank. The food pantry purchased turkeys, pies and sides from Shaw’s and Hannaford, as well.

Morison stated that the donations made by individuals and local businesses provide a lifeline to more and more households each year.

"The need continues to grow, and not just at the holidays,” she stated. “We feel fortunate that those who can give, continue to help us all year long. We don't just feed people on Thanksgiving."

With the increasing need in the community, Morison stressed that the organization welcomes donations of all kinds.

"Financial donations allow us to purchase food at the New Hampshire Food Bank for pennies on the dollar,” she stated. “Food donations go directly on our shelves. We are also grateful when businesses of any size choose to partner with us by making bulk donations, cash donations and/or holding a food drive."

To get involved with the food pantry team in any capacity, visit pfoodpantry.org or call 603-924-3008.

Those seeking food assistance can go to the pantry Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to noon, along with the first and third Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. The Peterborough Food Pantry is at 25 Elm St., Peterborough.