About 500 Thanksgiving Packages are Distributed

MIDDLETOWN – The annual Thanksgiving drive and distribution event of Regional Economic Community Action Program connected almost 500 families with packages to create a holiday meal. The distribution event on Monday, November 21 was at RECAP’s main office at 40 Smith Street. Turkeys were handed out along with pumpkins, broccoli, squashes, stuffing and other ingredients. Fresh produce came from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Middletown. Volunteer groups included Orange County SB Bike Club, the Middletown Mayor’s Youth Council, Fei Tian Academy, and Time Warner Cable. Bags were donated by Middletown Cares Coalition.

“This year’s Thanksgiving Drive was a success and we had great turnout from the community with donations and helping hands,” said Francine Tavares, RECAP’s Coordinator of Human Services who manages the program’s food pantry and organized the Thanksgiving event. “It was inspiring to have help from local youth groups. This year the Middletown Mayor’s Youth Council and Fei Tian Academy returned to prepare and transport the packages. Large donations, from businesses and residents, were also instrumental in making this possible. We’re grateful for the ability to help so many people this year.”